EP1: This Week for International Students - Top Funded PhD, Postdoc & MS GRA Roles, Jobs, GRE Tips & Canadian Study-Permit Guide
Welcome to the very first issue of the Bhabona newsletter for international students!
In This Issue:
🔍 Funded Openings – 3 new fully detailed MSc/PhD/Postdoc roles
🛂 Visa & Immigration Tips – Extending your Canadian study permit
🔍 Funded Openings
Masters Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Lab: Digital Farming Lab (https://agronomy.unl.edu/digital-farming-lab/)
Requirements:
B.S. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field with GPA ≥ 3.0
Experience with GIS, crop models, corn production systems, field experiments, data analysis
Strong organizational, time‑management, interpersonal, and communication skills
TOEFL ≥ 79 (iBT) or ≥ 550 (PBT), or IELTS ≥ 6.5
Research details/focus/interests:
Improving corn productivity and nitrogen use efficiency through digital‑agriculture tools (crop models, vegetation indices, DA technologies); dissemination via peer‑reviewed journals, extension articles, and professional conferences
Funding:
Tuition waiver (up to 12 credit hrs/semester; 6–12 hrs in summer)
Annual stipend: $27,876
Reduced‑rate health insurance
Deadline: Review begins immediately; position available Fall 2025
Contact/Application:
Pre‑application form: https://go.unl.edu/digitalgra
After pre‑selection, formal UNL application per university deadlines
PhD Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Lab: Complex Systems, Informatics, and Networked Engineering (COSINE) Laboratory (https://cosine-lab.github.io/cosinelab.org/)
Professor name: Dr. Yinshuang Xiao
Requirements (PhD Students):
B.S. or M.S. in Engineering or related area with GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0
TOEFL ≥ 80 (iBT) or ≥ 550 (PBT), or IELTS ≥ 6.5 (for international students)
GRE: optional
Preferred requirements:
Programming in Python, MATLAB, R, and/or C++
Fluency in a machine‑learning framework (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, etc.)
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Research details/focus/interests:
Local‑level, bottom‑up design of complex systems
Engineering and design of complex systems with temporal dynamics
AI‑integrated system design for adaptive and responsive solutions
Multidimensional network modeling across interdependent systems
Human‑system integration and human‑AI collaboration in socio‑technical environments
Application domains: transportation systems, product and market systems, EV charging infrastructure, urban infrastructure, energy systems, smart manufacturing
Funding:
GRA stipend (per CSU policy)
Tuition waiver (standard CSU package)
Health insurance (per CSU GRA policy)
Deadline: Positions start Spring 2026 or Fall 2026; no deadline specified
Contact/Application:
Email Yinshuang.Xiao@colostate.edu (subject “GRA Application to Cosine Lab”)
Attach CV, transcripts, and brief research‑interests statement
PhD GRA & Postdoc, University of Texas at Arlington
Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
Professor name: Dr. Tianqiao Zhao
Requirements (PhD Students):
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering
Familiarity with power‑system modeling/simulation tools (MATLAB/SIMULINK, RTDS/RSCAD, PSCAD, PowerFactory, PSS/E, OpenDSS)
Solid knowledge of data analytics, power systems, cybersecurity, or AI/ML
Good written and oral communication skills
GRE: not required
Requirements (Postdoctoral Researcher):
PhD in power and energy systems
Experience in AI/ML applications, system operation/control, modeling/simulation, distributed energy resources, hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulation
Proficiency with the tools listed above
Experience writing scientific research articles
Research details/focus/interests:
AI/ML for grid applications
Cybersecurity in power systems
Power‑grid reliability and resilience
Collaborative R&D with universities, national labs, utilities, vendors, and NYPA
Funding:
Fully funded PhD positions (tuition + stipend)
Postdoc salary (standard UTA R1 package)
Deadline: Not specified (positions start Fall 2025 for PhD; Fall 2025/Spring 2026 for Postdoc)
Contact/Application:
Email tzhaol@bnl.gov with CV, transcript, and research articles (if applicable)
💼 Job Opportunities
Applied Scientist, AWS Agentic AI
Organization: Amazon Web Services, Inc.
Location: Various U.S. markets (Los Angeles County note)
Requirements:
PhD, or Master’s + 4 years in CS, CE, ML, or related field
≥ 3 years building models for business applications
Publications or patents in top‑tier peer‑reviewed venues
Programming in Java, C++, Python, or related language
Preferred requirements:
Unix/Linux proficiency
Professional software development experience
Research details/focus/interests:
Developing NLP, agents, generative AI, deep learning & ML algorithms for AWS Q
Prototype code development and concept exploration
Collaboration with customers and academic community
Funding/Compensation:
Base pay: $136,000–$223,400 per year (market‑dependent)
Bonus, equity, and benefits package
Deadline: Until filled
Contact/Application:
Apply via Amazon careers: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/jobs/2969042/applied-scientist-aws-agentic-ai
For accommodations: https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations
Research Scientist, Machine Learning (PhD)
Organization: Meta
Location: Sunnyvale, CA (plus 7 additional U.S. locations)
Requirements:
PhD (or completing a postdoc) in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or related technical field (completed prior to joining)
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience (completed prior to joining)
Research and/or hands‑on experience in one or more of: machine learning, NLP, recommendation systems, pattern recognition, data mining, or artificial intelligence
Experience programming in a relevant programming language
Experience with scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Hack
Experience building and shipping high‑quality, reliable work
Must obtain and maintain work authorization in country of employment
Preferred requirements:
Software‑engineering experience (internship, work experience, coding competitions, or open‑source contributions)
Grants, fellowships, patents, or first‑authored publications at conferences like ICML, NeurIPS, KDD, or similar
Exposure to architectural patterns of large‑scale software applications
Interpersonal experience working and communicating cross‑functionally
Research details/focus/interests:
Develop scalable classifiers and tools using ML, regression, and rules‑based models
Define requirements, synthesize them into feature roadmaps, and deliver code with engineering teams
Adapt ML methods for parallel environments (clusters, multicore SMP, GPU)
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on ambiguous, high‑impact problems
Funding/Compensation:
Base pay: $56.25/hour to $173,000/year (market‑dependent)
Bonus, equity, and benefits package
Deadline: Until filled
Contact/Application:
Apply via Meta Careers: https://www.metacareers.com/jobs/1145976100026066/
📚 Section 3: Test‑Prep Spotlight
Student Profile
Exam: GRE
Score: 331 (V 163, Q 168, AWA 5.0)
Prep Time: ~4 weeks
Key Takeaways
Start Early (3–4 months)
Vocabulary builds slowly—daily exposure beats cramming.
Early prep lets you complete full practice tests (e.g. PowerPrep II).
Daily Vocabulary Routine
Use Gregmat’s word list, Magoosh flashcards, and vocabulary.com.
Log every unknown word and review in context.
Strategic Study
Watch strategy videos (Magoosh) before heavy practice.
Develop test‑taking “intuition” for ETS‑style questions.
Target Weaknesses
Take a timed diagnostic test early.
Focus extra practice on low‑score modules.
Official Materials First
Verbal: ETS Official Guide & GRE Big Book for reading comprehension.
Quant: ETS books plus Manhattan 5lb and All the Quant for additional drills.
Timing & Error‑Logging
Time every practice session; aim to increase speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Maintain an error log—note why mistakes occurred and correct reasoning, especially for verbal.
Materials Used
Strategy & Basics: Magoosh videos/prep guides
Verbal: Gregmat, ETS Official Guide, GRE Big Book
Vocabulary: Gregmat list, Magoosh flashcards, vocabulary.com
Quant: Magoosh, Manhattan 5lb, All the Quant, ETS books
“Consistency and strategy turned a 4‑week prep into a 331!”
🛂 Section 4: Visa & Immigration Tips
Topic: Extending Your Study Permit in Canada
📌 Key Steps & Timeline
Start Early
Apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before it expires. However, it's recommended to apply more than 30 days in advance to avoid complications with renewing your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or health insurance.
Source: IRCC Help Centre – How can I extend my stay as a student?
Where to Look: Paragraph 2, which states: "You should apply to extend your study permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. However, we recommend you apply more than 30 days before it expires."
Gather Required Documents
a. Letter of Enrollment from Your Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
A letter confirming your full-time status and program end date.
Source: Study permit: Get the right documents – Proof of acceptance
Where to Look: Under "Proof of acceptance," it states: "You must include the letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) you’ll be attending."
b. Proof of Financial Support
Documents demonstrating you can support yourself while studying in Canada, such as bank statements, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), or proof of a student loan.
Source: Study permit: Get the right documents – Proof of financial support
Where to Look: The section titled "Proof of financial support" outlines acceptable documents.
c. Transcript or Academic Record
A transcript or academic record showing satisfactory academic progress.
Source: Guide 5552 – Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Student
Where to Look: Under "Step 1. Gather Documents," it mentions: "A copy of your most recent transcript or academic record."
d. Valid Passport
Ensure your passport remains valid for the duration of your intended stay.
Source: Guide 5552 – Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Student
Where to Look: Under "Step 1. Gather Documents," it states: "A photocopy of the pages of your passport or travel document showing your passport number, date of issue and expiry, your name and date of birth, and any amendments in name, date of birth, expiry date, etc."
Complete the Application
Apply online through the IRCC portal using the form IMM 5709.
Where to Look: The "How to apply" section provides detailed instructions.
Pay Fees
CAD $150 for the study permit extension.
Source: IRCC Help Centre – How can I extend my stay as a student?
Where to Look: Under "Fees," it states: "There’s a CAN$150 fee for the new study permit."
Maintain Status
If you apply before your current permit expires, you can continue studying under "maintained status" until a decision is made on your application.
Source: IRCC Help Centre – Can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires if I applied for a new permit?
Where to Look: Paragraph 2, which states: "If you applied to extend your study permit, you can stay in Canada and continue studying under the conditions of your original study permit."
Biometrics (if applicable)
If you haven't provided biometrics in the past 10 years, you may be required to do so.
Source: Extend your study permit or restore your status – How to apply
Where to Look: Under "Step 2: Read the instruction guide," it mentions biometrics requirements.
Processing Time
Processing times vary. You can check the current estimated processing times on the IRCC website.
Where to Look: Select "Temporary residence (visiting, studying, working)" and then "Study permit extension (within Canada)" to view current processing times.
✅ Pro Tips
Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
Double-check that all information is accurate to avoid delays.
Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the official IRCC guide on extending your study permit.