Dr. Jun Jin | Join | University of Alberta

AI & Robotics Research at University of Alberta

The University of Alberta has a long history and a strong academic profile in AI & Robotics research. According to CSRankings, AI & Robotics research at UofA ranks 2nd in Canada and 13th in North America.

Furthermore, UofA's artificial intelligence research is ranked 1st in Canada according to the US News Rankings. Particularly, reinforcement learning research at UofA has gained international recognition for accelerating the success of Google DeepMind AlphaGO.

Open Positions

I am actively seeking self-motivated MSc and PhD students to join my lab for the Fall term of 2026, and Winter/Fall term of 2027.

Graduate students in my lab are typically fully funded as RAs. Additionally, as a fellow of Amii, students in my lab can join the Amii student intra-network, providing abundant resources regarding funding, computing, media coverage, academic events, and industrial connections.

Requirements:

A MSc/BSc degree in ECE, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
Highly motivated to conduct top-tier research in machine learning and robotics.
Strong programming skills.
Excellent communication skills in English.

*For students who are already in Canada, please contact me individually if you are looking for admission in Jan 2026.

How to Apply?

Please check the ECE department's website about graduate admissions. Note that all applications are reviewed by the department's graduate admission committee. If you are interested in working with me, please contact me at least 6 months prior to the application deadline.

How to Contact Me?

When contacting me, please send your CV and a Research Statement. I care most about your research statement, so please take the time to explain:
Why my research topics motivate you to pursue in-depth research at the University of Alberta, and how your previous experience can help you succeed in these areas.

I receive many inquiries and may not be able to respond to everyone individualy. If you expect a strong reply, please do your homework.

If You are Already at UofA

I welcome undergraduate and graduate students already at the University of Alberta to work with me. I welcome students from ECE, CS, Mech Eng, Civil Eng, and Psychology to collaborate on either scientific or applied research related to robotics and machine learning.

If you are interested, please send me your CV + full Transcripts + Research Statement, which will help me decide possible projects, collaboration forms, and funding sources.

Letters to Prospective Students

What do I care about most in your application?

I care most about whether you are truly motivated and excited about my research topics. I look for answers to these four questions in your research statement:

(1) Did the student actually know what I am working on?
(2) Did the student actually read my paper A?
(3) Did the student spend extra time reading the basic background of my research domain?
(4) Did the student spend time trying to understand the research question I proposed in my research roadmap?

These questions help me determine if a student is genuinely passionate about the field.

What will I NOT care about that much?

I don't strictly require a prior background in machine learning or robotics, nor do I require prior top-tier publications. While they are a plus, I believe a student's success is driven by the inner desire to devote time to discovering the truth beneath a research question.

I am a strong believer in EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). My experience tells me that potential is not bounded by prior background. So, if you are truly passionate, don't wait—show your passion and apply!

Why come to the city of Edmonton?

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, home to amazing national parks like Jasper and Banff. Nature in Alberta is breath-taking (see pictures). Moreover, Edmonton is a friendly, affordable city that values diversity, making it a great place for families and students alike.