Join Our Research Group
Research Opportunity for MTU Students (Undergrad & Graduate) — Summer & Fall 2026
For Michigan Technological University students only.
We are recruiting undergraduate and graduate (MS/PhD) students at Michigan Tech to join JWare Lab in the Department of Computer Science.
What is Agentic Software Engineering? Agentic Software Engineering explores how AI agents, powered by large language models, can autonomously assist with software development — code generation, debugging, testing, and optimization. Tools like Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Windsurf are already changing how developers write software. We investigate the science behind making these tools more reliable, effective, and accessible.
Research Topics
Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge topics such as (but not limited to):
- Quality Assurance Methodologies for Agentic Coding — How do we test, validate, and ensure the correctness of code produced by AI agents? What new QA strategies are needed when the “developer” is an LLM?
- Agentic Workflows for Scientists and Engineers — How can AI agents support domain experts who need software but aren’t professional developers?
- Agentic Coding for Novice or Experienced Programmers — How do AI coding agents change the learning experience for beginners? What are the risks and research opportunities when developers rely on agentic tools?
- Any other potential topic in AI for software engineering, or software engineering for AI
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on research experience on real scientific problems
- Experience with open-source projects impacting developers and scientists
- Mentorship on research and software development at the AI × SE intersection
- Opportunity to contribute to publications at top software engineering venues
- A strong foundation for graduate school applications
Who Should Apply
- Highly motivated to conduct research in AI-assisted software engineering
- Comfortable with GitHub and Python (or another language), with strong execution ability
- Interested in pursuing graduate study (PhD preferred, or Master’s)
- Prior experience with LLMs or agentic tools is a plus, but not required
How to Apply
Email jie.jw.wu@mtu.edu with subject: “Research Opportunity at MTU”
Include: your resume · a brief statement of interest (1–2 paragraphs) · any relevant experience (courses, projects, research)
We welcome students from all backgrounds as long as they are highly motivated and have good execution ability.
PhD Positions in AI for Software Engineering — Fall 2026
Open to all applicants worldwide.
- Start Term: Fall 2026
- Location: Department of Computer Science, Michigan Technological University
- Advisor: Prof. Jie Wu · jie-jw-wu.github.io
Prof. Jie Wu is inviting applications for fully funded PhD positions starting in Fall 2026, in a quest to perform research on approaches that advance AI-assisted software engineering. Our research lies at the intersection of Software Engineering and AI, with a strong emphasis on building trustworthy AIware (AI-powered software). We are passionate about the opportunities to shape foundational approaches that ensure trustworthiness, reliability, safety, and human-centered design in next-generation AIware.
Research Areas of Interest (not limited to)
- AI for Software Engineering
- Large Language Models and Agentic Flow for Code
- Software Engineering for AI (a.k.a. AI Engineering / Machine Learning in Production)
- AI4Code in Engineering, Science, and Education
Core Qualities We Look For
- Task Orientation: A great aptitude toward finishing given tasks and meeting project milestones
- Highly Motivated: Passion for research and strong interest in pursuing a PhD in the field
- Grit Mindset: Perseverance and determination in achieving the PhD degree
Preferred Candidates Will Have
- Strong research skills with prior research experience (e.g., publications), or excellent programming skills (e.g., programming contests or software projects)
- Proficiency in training and inferencing Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Practical experiences as a software engineer or contributor to open-source software
- Opportunity to be hourly RA to work with Prof. Jie Wu before the official PhD start date
How to Apply
Email jie.jw.wu@mtu.edu with subject: “Prospective PhD Student – [Your Full Name] – [Intended Start Term]”
(Please use this exact subject format to help ensure your email isn’t filtered.)
About Michigan Tech
Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is a newly elevated R1 research university with a long-standing strength in engineering disciplines and robust, stable research funding. The Computer Science Department provides a highly supportive environment with a low student-to-faculty ratio and a strong culture of collaboration.
Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, near the Great Lakes. The community is known for being welcoming and inclusive. The region is safe, peaceful, and offers beautiful natural surroundings — an ideal environment for focused research.
