Postdoctoral Scholar in Advanced Manufacturing Systems

University of California - Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Riverside seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Advanced Manufacturing Systems to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI, digital twins, robotics, and big data analytics. The initial appointment is for two years, with possible renewal based on performance and funding.

Applicants must have a PhD in a related field by appointment and strong background in AI/ML, data analytics, optimization, or digital twins;

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field by appointment.
• Strong background in AI/ML, data analytics, optimization, or digital twins.
• Experience with manufacturing systems, automation, robotics, or industrial data preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct AI-assisted research for advanced manufacturing systems.
• Develop and apply digital twins for operations optimization and control.
• Collaborate with AIM Hub and other researchers on multi-disciplinary projects.

Skills

AI/ML

Data analytics

Optimization

Digital twins

Robotics

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, or Robotics

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Postdoc Employee

Salary range: $71,491-$85,736

Anticipated start: October 1, 2026

Review timeline: Applications will continue to be accepted until August 24 2026 but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Application Window

Open date: August 12, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and the newly established AIM Hub at the University of California, Riverside seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar in Advanced Manufacturing Systems. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, robotics, big data analytics, and advanced manufacturing systems. The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct advanced research in areas including AI-assisted manufacturing system design and reconfiguration, digital twins for manufacturing operations and optimization, human-AI collaboration for smart manufacturing decision-making, multi-modal machine learning using sensor, image, video, and machine-log data, and real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and process control.

To be considered for this position, applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Industry Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering. Computer Science, Robotics, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications include a strong background in AI/ML, data analytics, optimization, or digital twins, experience with manufacturing systems, automation, robotics, or industrial data is preferred, and demonstrated research excellence through publications and collaborative projects.

Postdoc salary ranges from $71,491-$85,736 annually, depending on experience upon start. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Postdoctoral Scholar Salary Scale Table 23.

For more information, visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering and postdoctoral studies at UC Riverside for additional details.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Industry Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering. Computer Science, Robotics, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Preferred qualifications include a strong background in AI/ML, data analytics, optimization, or digital twins, experience with manufacturing systems, automation, robotics, or industrial data is preferred, and demonstrated research excellence through publications and collaborative projects.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission is a preferred qualification.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a CV and a brief statement of research interests

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research Interests
• Letter of Recomendation (Optional)
• Sample Publications (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and contact information for two professional references. May request reference letters after the initial screening.

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Riverside

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf). For Non-Senate faculty positions, review criteria and duties are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affinity Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

Job location

Riverside, CA