Post Doctoral Fellow - Safe Learning and Spacecraft Autonomy

University of Houston System; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Networked Autonomous Intelligent Learning (NAIL) Lab at the University of Houston System is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a NASA Early Career Faculty project focused on safety-enabled and efficient onboard planning for autonomous spacecraft.

Qualifications

• PhD in related field required or strongly recommended.
• Strong background in RL, control, or autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop physics-informed and safe reinforcement learning algorithms.
• Implement control barrier functions and safety-critical control.
• Work on spacecraft dynamics, trajectory planning, guidance, navigation, and control.
• Create high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams on a NASA ECF project.

Skills

Reinforcement Learning

Nonlinear Control

Control Theory

Autonomous Systems

Embedded Real-Time

Spacecraft GNC

Education

PhD in robotics / controls / aerospace engineering

Job description

Department:Engineering Technology

Salary:Commensurate with Experience/Education

Description

This position will be based in Sugar Land, TX
Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

The Networked Autonomous Intelligent Learning (NAIL) Lab at the University of Houston is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a newly funded NASA Early Career Faculty (ECF) project: “Safety-Enabled and Efficient Onboard Planning for Autonomous Spacecraft via Physics-Informed Reinforcement Learning.” (https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/space-tech-research-grants/ecf/early-career-faculty-ecf-2025-awards/)
The project aims to develop safe and computationally efficient learning-enabled onboard planning methods for autonomous spacecraft operating in uncertain deep-space environments. The research integrates physics-informed reinforcement learning, safety-critical control, uncertainty monitoring, and hardware-in-the-loop validation.
The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in several aspects of the project, including:

• Physics-informed and safe reinforcement learning
• Control barrier functions and safety-critical control
• Spacecraft dynamics, trajectory planning, guidance, navigation, and control
• High-fidelity simulation of autonomous systems
• Embedded implementation and hardware-in-the-loop validation
• Learning-enabled autonomy under model and environmental uncertainty

Candidates with a Ph.D. in robotics, control, aerospace engineering, electrical/computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field are encouraged to apply. Strong backgrounds in one or more of reinforcement learning, nonlinear/optimal control, control barrier functions, autonomous systems, spacecraft GNC, or real-time/embedded implementation are particularly desirable.
MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.