Postdoctoral Scholar

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mentoring and collaboration opportunities

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Michigan Technological University. The role involves conducting research in automation, AI, and robotics. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate strong programming and analytical skills.

This position supports the development of innovative research methods and tools to enhance construction safety and productivity. Candidates will work in an interdisciplinary team and participate in various collaboration activities.

Qualifications

• PhD in construction engineering, civil engineering, computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Research experience in construction automation and digital technologies.
• Programming experience using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in automation, AI, robotics, and data analytics.
• Prepare journal and conference papers.
• Collaborate with external researchers and industry partners.

Skills

Research experience in construction automation

Programming in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar

Technical writing and problem-solving

Education

PhD in related fields

Tools

ROS

Docker

Job description

Ensured Consideration Date: July 20th 2026

Summary

The Computing and Robotic Construction Laboratory at the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Michigan Technological University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The successful candidate will contribute to research projects focused on advancing automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensing, data analytics, and digital technologies for construction engineering and management. The postdoctoral researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team to develop and evaluate innovative methods, tools, and systems that improve construction safety, productivity, quality, and workforce development. The position will involve conducting research, preparing publications and proposals, mentoring students, supporting project activities, and collaborating with academic, industry, and community partners.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Conduct research in construction automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensing, data analytics, and digital construction technologies.
• Support research related to construction safety, productivity, quality, workforce development, human–technology interaction, infrastructure management, and intelligent construction systems.
• Prepare journal papers, conference papers, technical reports, project documentation, and research presentations.
• Contribute to proposal development and future funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, external researchers, industry partners, and community stakeholders.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• PhD in construction engineering, civil engineering, computer science, robotics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, data science, information science, or a closely related field.

Required Experience

• Research experience in one or more areas related to construction automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, sensing, data analytics, cyber‑infrastructure, digital construction, or infrastructure systems.
• Experience preparing research publications, technical reports, or project documentation.
• Programming, modeling, simulation, system development, or data analysis experience using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, ROS, JavaScript, R, or similar platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong research, analytical, programming, technical writing, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.
• Ability to prepare high‑quality manuscripts, reports, documentation, proposals, and presentations.
• Strong communication, teamwork, time‑management, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to responsible research, reproducible methods, ethical AI, and safe technology development.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of construction engineering, construction management, infrastructure systems, digital construction, automation, or robotics.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensing, data analytics, simulation, human–technology interaction, or cyber‑infrastructure.
• Knowledge of construction safety, productivity analysis, quality control, project monitoring, prefabrication, modular construction, or infrastructure management.
• Familiarity with GitHub, Docker, ROS, cloud computing, databases, APIs, BIM platforms, simulation tools, sensors, or robotic hardware.
• Ability to engage with academic, industry, government, and professional‑society stakeholders.

Required Training

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti‑Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.