YuCCA Lab

PhD Students

We are actively recruiting two PhD students starting Fall 2026.

What we offer:

• Full funding through research or teaching assistantships (~$30k annual stipend)
• Full UC system benefits
• Opportunities to publish in top-tier venues
• Collaboration with leading industrial partners
• Career development mentorship

Additional funding opportunities:

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for funding opportunities including:

• UCM Internal Fellowships
• UCM External Fellowships
• Other Fellowships

Requirements:

• Review UCM Application Requirements (international students: see additional requirements)
• Research interests aligned with our projects
• Strong candidates typically have:
  • First-author publications/submissions, or
  • Extensive industry experience, and
  • M.S. degree (exceptional undergraduates with research experience are encouraged to apply)

How to apply:

• Submit application through UCM Graduate Application
• Mention PI's name in your application
• Applications will be reviewed after the December deadline

Master's, Undergraduate and High School Students

We welcome students from UC Merced and surrounding institutions to join as research assistants.

What we offer:

• Mentorship from faculty and PhD students
• Hands-on research experience
• Opportunities for publications and industry collaboration
• Technical skills development

Funding opportunities:

Student are also encouraged to apply for funding opportunities including:

• Master's students: UCM Internal Fellowships, External Fellowships, HSF
• Undergraduates: CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program, UC LEADS, SURF, SOAR, CV PATH, HSF

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 hours/week commitment
• Strong interest in EE/CS/related areas
• Proficiency in Python
• Ability to work independently
• GPA 3.0+ preferred

How to apply:

• Email xiaofanyu@ucmerced.edu with your CV, unofficial transcript, and a brief paragraph explaining your interest in our research (see our projects and publications)
• Applications accepted year-round

Visiting Students

We welcome visiting scholars from U.S. and international institutions.

What we offer:

• J-1 visa support from UCM
• Mentorship from faculty and PhD students
• Hands-on research experience
• Opportunities for publications and industry collaboration
• Technical skills development

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate/M.S. program at another university
• Clear research proposal aligned with lab interests
• Self-funded or external funding (we might be able to assist with funding search for domestic students)
• Minimum 3-6 month commitment

How to apply:

• Email xiaofanyu@ucmerced.edu with your CV, unofficial transcript, and a 1-page research proposal describing a potential project aligned with our research (see our projects and publications)
• Also include in your email: proposed duration, timeline (typically 3-6 months), and funding status (self-funded or other sources).
• Apply at least 3-6 months before intended start date