08ARCS Lab — Opportunities
Join the ARCS Lab.
The ARCS Lab recruits motivated students and researchers interested in human-AI teaming, human factors, HCI, and collaborative systems. We offer a rigorous, supportive, and interdisciplinary research environment at a leading research university.
Recruiting status
Now recruiting
For a Spring, Summer, or Fall 2027 start
01 · Positions
Ways to join
PhD Students
We admit PhD students through the UTK Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering. Research assistantships are available for qualified candidates.
Preferred background: human factors, HCI, CS, cognitive science, psychology, or systems engineering.
DEng Students
The Doctor of Engineering program at UTK allows working professionals to pursue applied doctoral research. ARCS Lab welcomes DEng students with strong applied research interests.
Professional experience in engineering, defense, manufacturing, or technology preferred.
Undergraduate Researchers
UTK undergraduates in ISE, CS, or related fields are welcome to apply for part-time research positions (typically 4 hours/week) in the ARCS Lab.
Open to motivated undergraduates with strong academic records and genuine interest in research.
02 · Fit
What we look for
We recruit graduate students (PhD and DEng) in Industrial & Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Psychology. Undergraduate research opportunities are also available.
- Industrial & systems engineering
- Human factors
- Human-computer interaction
- Computer science
- Cognitive science
- Psychology
See the research areas and recent publications for the questions we work on.
03 · Process
How to apply
Explore the research
Read about the lab's research areas and recent publications to see where your interests fit.
Email Dr. Schelble
Send your CV, a brief statement of research interests, and any relevant publications or projects to bschelbl@utk.edu, or use the contact form.
Apply to the program
PhD students are admitted through the UTK Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, and working professionals through UTK's Doctor of Engineering program.
04 · Questions
Frequently asked
Is funding available for PhD students?
Research assistantships are available for qualified PhD candidates.
What backgrounds do you look for?
Human factors, HCI, computer science, cognitive science, psychology, and systems engineering. We recruit graduate students in Industrial & Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Psychology.
Can I join while working full time?
Yes, through the Doctor of Engineering program at UTK, which allows working professionals to pursue applied doctoral research. Professional experience in engineering, defense, manufacturing, or technology is preferred.
What do undergraduate positions involve?
Part-time research positions, typically about 4 hours per week, open to UTK undergraduates in ISE, CS, or related fields with strong academic records and a genuine interest in research.
How soon will I hear back?
We typically respond within 2–3 business days. For urgent inquiries, email Dr. Schelble directly at bschelbl@utk.edu.