Postdoctoral Scholar - Neurobotics Cluster - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Case; Cleveland (OH); Presencial; USD 55.000 - 63.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland is seeking two postdoctoral scholars for the Neurorobotics Cluster within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. The roles focus on biologically inspired robotics, mentored by Associate Professor Kathryn Daltorio, with an anticipated start in January 2027 and a two-year mentoring plan.

The position involves leading projects on soft robots, dexterous manipulation, and robotics testing, with opportunities to publish papers and collaborate

Formación

• Hold a doctorate in ME, EE, CS with robotics emphasis.
• Two first-author publications in relevant journals.
• Proficient in design and implementation of electromechanical systems.
• Programming – C++, Python, ROS2.
• CAD skills with SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with motion capture (Qualisys) and robotic simulation (MuJoCo).
• Familiarity with robotic navigation and control systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• US work eligibility.

Responsabilidades

• Own and manage key project milestones within one project focus area.
• Develop electromechanical systems and sensor arrays for robots.
• Publish research papers and review current literature.
• Collaborate with team members and new graduate students; demonstrate leadership and integrity.
• Travel for research and conferences as needed.

Conocimientos

Electromechanical design

Programming – C++, Python, ROS2

Communication skills

Robotics knowledge

US work eligibility

Educación

PhD in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering or CS with robotics emphasis

Herramientas

SolidWorks

Qualisys

MuJoCo

ROS2

Descripción del empleo

Postdoctoral Scholar - Neurobotics Cluster - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (PD)

Position Type: Postdoctoral

Location: Glennan Building - Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dept.

Posted: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

Description

Case Western Reserve University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is seeking to fill two postdoctoral scholar positions in the Neurorobotics Cluster, specifically working on biologically-inspired robotics mentored by Associate Professor Kathryn Daltorio. Our group is broadly interested in learning from animals on how to make robots better navigate challenging terrain. Our goal is to create pipelines for biologically-inspired robots to fill unmet societal needs. Currently we have several ongoing projects: soft robots in confined spaces to support infrastructure expansion, dynamic modeling of decision-making with saddle equilibria and crab-like robots for dexterous manipulation underwater. Anticipated start date January 2027, with two year mentoring plan to be developed with postdoc.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Own one or more major focus within one of our existing projects, overseeing and executing project milestones and delegating tasks as necessary. In particular, development of intuitive user interfaces, robust electromechanical systems and sensor arrays are needed for our soft body worm-like robots. Control approaches for dexterous manipulation with walking legs, multifunctionality in legs for different terrains are needed for our legged crab-like robots. All of our physical robots depend on effective contact with natural substrates (soils, pebbles, sand) and thus control that takes into account perception and reaction to these forces will be needed, and are potential focus directions. (70%)

Write and publish papers. Keep up to date on current literature in relevant areas of robotics, materials, controls, AI, neurobiology, as needed to plan and write research. Use of tools for making figures and obtaining experimental data (10%)

Work with existing team members and new incoming graduate students. We are highly collaborative research team, so communication with scientists and engineers across different fields is particularly important. Candidate will be expected to practice thoughtful leadership skills : breaking a problem into delegatable parts, making contributions in the context of larger team goals, and set standards of research integrity and collegiality. (10%)

Travel for research and conferences (10%)

**In compliance with the City of Cleveland’s Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Possess or be on track to complete a doctorate in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering or a doctorate in Computer Science with emphasis related to robotics.

Have published at least two first author publications in relevant journals.

Proficient in at least two major skill bases:

Design and implementation of electromechanical systems

Programming – C++, Python, ROS2

Computer Aided Design – Solidworks preferred

Motion Capture Videography and Analysis – Qualisys preferred

Robotic Simulation – MuJoCo preferred

Robotic Navigation and Control Systems

Excellent written and oral communication skills necessary.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice to Have:

Familiarity with soil dynamics and/or resistive force theory

Familiarity with biomimetics, bio-inspired design, or biomechanics

Familiarity with fluid mechanics

Experience with robot data collection and tracking

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at [e-mail] . Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.