2027 PhD Graduate - Post Doctoral in Robotics Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,300 - 155,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous education assistance

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Robotics Researcher passionate about groundbreaking research to join their collaborative team in Laurel, Maryland. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in relevant fields and a strong background in robotics.

The selected candidate will engage in innovative research, tackling challenges in autonomous systems, robot perception, and human-machine collaboration. Generous benefits include education assistance and a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret-level security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship requirement.

Responsibilities

• Work on novel research and existing research programs.
• Current areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning.
• Opportunity to publish work and present to scientific community.

Skills

Technical writing

Research formulation for real-world application

Software development for robotics

Robotics hardware design and integration

ROS2 proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about pursuing groundbreaking research to solve today’s greatest challenges in robotics? Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems? Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

If you are graduating with a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics with a focus on Robotics, we’d love to have you join our team! The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers that is inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about our current research at www.jhuapl.edu/isc.

Responsibilities

As a member of our team, you will work on a mix of your own proposed novel research and existing research programs. Current research areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning, trajectory planning and advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human‑machine teaming, multi‑agent coordination, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. You will have the opportunity to publish your work and present the results of your efforts to the scientific community, external collaborators, and/or government sponsors.

Qualifications

• Have a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Are able to obtain a DoD Secret‑level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Are a U.S. citizen.

Additional Qualifications

• Have experience with technical writing and have previously published your work in the scientific literature.
• Have experience formulating original research for real‑world application.
• Have experience developing software that integrates with hardware such as robotic platforms and sensors.
• Have experience designing, fabricating, and integrating robotics hardware.
• Have demonstrated proficiency in using ROS2.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Minimum Rate: $85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate: $155,500 Annually