2027 PhD Graduate - Post Doctoral in Robotics Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a highly skilled robotics post-doctoral researcher to engage in groundbreaking research aimed at solving critical challenges in robotics. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will take intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality and contribute valuable insights to scientific literature.

This position is ideal for candidates with a Ph.D. in relevant fields like Computer Science or Engineering, and it offers potential for significant impact in national defense, healthcare, and space exploration.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct groundbreaking research in robotics and related fields.
• Present research findings to the scientific community and government sponsors.
• Work on novel research and existing programs.

Skills

Experience with technical writing

Research formulation for real-world application

Software development for robotics

Robotics hardware design

Proficiency in ROS2

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or related field

Job description

Description

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled, highly motivated robotics post‑doctoral researcher to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, agentic AI, human‑robot and robot‑robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research that has real‑world impact. We strive to foster an environment that aims to solve the hardest problems in robotics.

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

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• 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

Why Work at APL?

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 of perspectives 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].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate

$155,500 Annually