We work on cutting-edge topics in computer networks and systems. Our research group distributed systems lab focusses on the stochastic modeling, performance analysis, design, evaluation, implementation, and control of large-scale networked systems. Listed below are some of the example applications.

• AI and ML systems: inference optimization, power-performance trade-off, communication protocol design for computation.
• Cloud and edge computing: hierarchical inference, dual-stack connectivity, private and resilient learning, cloud pricing.

PhD

May 01, 2026: Multiple PhD positions are open in the distributed systems lab. The graduate students will work on either theory-focussed aspects or systems problems in the domains mentioned above, as part of their PhD work. Industry-sponsored PhD fellowships are available from the second year onwards.

Prospective graduate students need to get admitted into IISc first. IISc admits PhD students through two admission cycles, i.e., summer (May) and winter (December). The details of research admission at ECE department can be found at the ECE admissions page.

Post Doctoral

May 01, 2026: Prospective postdoctoral researchers can apply for CNI, C V Raman, and Institute of Eminence postdoctoral positions. Please write to me first if you are interested in working with our research group.

Internship

Before applying for internship please read the following.

1. Please check whether your research interests are aligned with our group’s research focus. It is best to apply on the link provided here rather than sending emails for two reasons.
   • The link here asks for specific information that we need to make a decision on your internship applications.
   • It is near impossible to reply to individual emails due to a large volume of applications. We look at all the applications which come via the form on this webpage. You will hear from us if you are shortlisted for the interviews.
2. You should be willing to spend at least 12 weeks in person at IISc, without any other commitments. If you need to attend classes either in person or online, or you are planning to work on multiple internships or projects concurrently, then this internship is not for you.
3. We are only looking for people who can
   • work with systems and have prior experience of working with Unix/Linux Operating Systems,
   • understand computer and network architecture,
   • can debug system failures,
   • can write shell scripts to configure, design, and automate experiments. Your skills must be demonstrated by open source contributions or online public code repositories.
4. If you are theoretically inclined and interested in pursuing theoretical problems arising out of system design questions, then you must have knowledge of
   • probability theory,
   • stochastic modelling, and
   • linear algebra. Your knowledge of these subjects must be demonstrated by a good academic performance in the relevant courses in your college.
5. Part-time, remote, and short-terms internships are not available.
6. Our current focus is on the design of networking systems and architectures, specifically on AI systems. We are not working on embedded systems, VLSI, IoT, data analytics, applications of AI.

Dec 17, 2025:

• CNI summer internship
  • Students interested in semester longer research internship in systems and networking for Spring and Summer 2026 can apply to Centre for Networked Intelligence research intern position. Apply now »
• IAS summer internship
  • Students with general interest can apply to Indian Academy of Sciences summer research fellowship programme.
  • Last date for application for summer fellowship 2026 is Jan 31, 2026.

Project Associate

May 01, 2026: Multiple research opening(s) are available for experimental research in the topics mentioned above.

Please apply for Centre for Networked Intelligence research associate position. Apply now »