Postdoctoral Research Associate - Robots and Agents

tamus; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Robots and Agents to advance autonomous multi-robot systems research. The role emphasizes coordination, perception, planning, and control across ground and aerial platforms, with teaching/mentoring components for students.

The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research, mentor students, and contribute to curriculum integration while publishing in peer-reviewed

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics, EE, CS or related field.
• Proven expertise in autonomous robotic systems and multi-agent robotics.
• Hands-on experience with robotics platforms and sensing.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on autonomous multi-robot systems for exploration and reconnaissance.
• Develop algorithms for multi-agent coordination and autonomous navigation.
• Design data-driven approaches including ML and reinforcement learning for autonomy.
• Validate algorithms on robotic platforms using ROS and sensors.

Skills

Autonomous robotics

Multi-agent robotics

ROS

Machine learning

Perception systems

Education

Doctoral degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field

Tools

ROS

LiDAR

Cameras

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Robots and Agents

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Engineering - ENGR

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the‑art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team developing advanced autonomous multi‑robot systems for exploration and reconnaissance. The successful candidate will conduct cutting‑edge research on coordinated autonomous ground and aerial robotic systems, focusing on multi‑agent collaboration, autonomous decision‑making, perception, planning, and control in complex and dynamic environments and support mentoring/teaching responsibilities by strengthening the integration of cutting‑edge research into the curriculum and providing students with hands‑on learning and research opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Research and Laboratory Coordination: 85% Conduct fundamental and applied research on autonomous multi‑robot systems for exploration and reconnaissance, with an emphasis on coordinated ground and aerial robotic platforms.
• Develop novel algorithms for multi‑agent coordination, autonomous navigation, distributed control, formation control, perception, and decision‑making in complex environments.
• Design and implement data‑driven approaches, including machine learning, reinforcement learning, surrogate models, and optimization techniques, to enhance robotic autonomy and mission performance.
• Develop and validate digital twin environments for simulation, testing, and evaluation of autonomous robotic systems and structures.
• Integrate and evaluate algorithms on robotic platforms using Robot Operating System (ROS) and sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, and other perception systems.
• Conduct laboratory and field experiments, analyze experimental data, and validate system performance.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at national/international conferences.
• Participate in the preparation of grant proposals, technical reports, sponsor deliverables, and other research documentation.
• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, including experiment scheduling, equipment allocation, and laboratory logistics.
• Maintain and troubleshoot robotic platforms, sensors, computing resources, laboratory software to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure laboratory safety through regular inspections, equipment maintenance, compliance with university and sponsor safety protocols, and management of laboratory inventories.
• Support the planning and execution of robotic demonstrations, field testing, and outreach activities.
• Teaching and Mentoring: 10% Support undergraduate and graduate instruction through lecture/laboratory teaching, guest lectures, curriculum development, and integration of current research into academic courses.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in robotics and autonomous systems research, providing guidance in algorithm development, software implementation, experimentation, and scientific communication.
• Assist students in research project development, preparation of technical publications, and professional development.
• Participate in departmental seminars, laboratory demonstrations, outreach events, and lab tours.
• Other: 5% Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in autonomous robotic systems and multi‑agent robotics.
• Hands‑on exp