Interested in the LEAF lab?

We are regularly looking for exceptionally creative, talented, and self-motivated people at many levels of experience: Postdocs, Ph.D., research-oriented Master’s students, and undergraduates. Our lab is a welcoming, intellectually vibrant, and creative environment working to solve some of the most interesting, critical, and challenging research problems in the fields of robotics and machine learning. Read our publications to get a sense of what we do.

Please read this page before contacting the PI directly.

Graduate Programs (Ph.D. & Master’s)

These are research-intensive programs with a small amount of coursework. You will develop collaboration and communication skills within the LEAF lab, the Robotics Institute, and UTIAS or DCS. Applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Ph.D. program will train you to be a successful and independent scientist in our fields of research. The Master’s program serves as a stepping-stone to prepare you for Ph.D.-level research.

How to apply

Step 1 — Apply through one of the routes below. Mention the PI’s name in your application and describe your research interests as they relate to ours. Applications without the PI’s name may be overlooked.

Step 2 — Interview — shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview to discuss background, goals, and potential research directions.

Routes to joining

Coursework

UTIAS Ph.D. and M.A.Sc. programs require 4 courses total, of which 2 must be classified as Robotics (ROB) or Aerospace (AER). The remainder can be chosen in coordination with your advisor. See the Robotics course list and program-specific requirements. For CS programs, see their program descriptions.

Other Positions

Current UofT Ph.D./M.A.Sc. students — Send an email with your CV and a description of how your research interests overlap with ours. A track record of relevant publications is a plus.

Visiting Ph.D./M.A.Sc. students — Same as above.

UofT undergraduates — Send an email with your CV and your project/research interests. Some background in robotics, machine learning, or computer vision is typical. We have a few summer slots each year and occasional semester positions; the best route is getting involved well beforehand. We can point you toward relevant fellowships.

Remote collaborators (not UofT-affiliated) — We occasionally collaborate remotely with exceptional students and researchers. Send an email with your CV and research interests; a track record of publications is especially helpful.

Contact

Email: nick.rhinehart@utoronto.ca

Include [LEAF-interest] in your subject line to show you’ve read this page — it improves your chances of a reply. No response does not necessarily mean we are not interested; there simply isn’t enough time to correspond individually with every applicant before the application process begins.

FAQ