Join ARCH Lab

The ARCH Lab is currently recruiting motivated PhD students and undergraduate researchers interested in next-generation computing systems. We have two PhD openings in the following areas:

• AI Computing Architectures (e.g., architectures for large language model inference, memory-efficient AI systems)
• Encrypted Computing Architectures (e.g., hardware acceleration for fully homomorphic encryption and secure computation)

We are looking for students who are curious, self-driven, and interested in building efficient, secure, and verifiable computing systems.

Pre-Interview Task Requirement

Due to the high volume of applications, we require prospective candidates to complete one of the following tasks prior to being considered for an interview:

• Simple Attention Architecture
• Simple Number Theoretical Transform (NTT) Architecture
• Undergraduate Researcher Task (Only for undergraguate applicants)

These tasks are intended to evaluate your ability to think through architectural design and implementation. If you are selected for an interview, your completed task will serve as one of the main discussion points. Please approach it thoughtfully and be prepared to explain your design choices, assumptions, and trade-offs. The task is also meant to give you a preview of the type of research problems you may work on during your PhD in the lab.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application form below.
2. Choose one of the above tasks and work through it carefully.
3. After completing the task, send an email to Prof. Aruna Jayasena (fname@tennessee.edu) indicating:
   • Include “I want to join ARCH Lab” in the subject line
   • Confirm that you have submitted your application through the lab website
   • Indicate which task you completed and include the link to your repository.
   • Specify your availability to start, if selected

Candidates who complete these steps will be considered for initial rounds of interviews. Applications that do not follow this procedure will not be considered.

Online Application Form

Applicant Information

Full name * Email * Current institution Position applying for * Select one AI Hardware Architectures (PhD) Encrypted Computing Architectures (PhD) Undergraduate researcher Research statement * In one paragraph, explain why you think you will be a successful researcher in your own words. Minimum 50 words, maximum 250 words.

Supporting Documents

Upload CV * No file selected Upload Unofficial Transcript * No file selected

I confirm that I have carefully read the job posting, that all information provided is accurate, and that I will complete the assigned task and follow the instructions to schedule an interview.