Staff - Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Agentic AI

merl; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match

Commuting stipend

Home office stipend

Paid time off

Job summary

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in artificial intelligence focusing on capable, trustworthy, efficient, generalist agentic systems. The appointment is for 2 years and may lead to further opportunities at MERL.

The successful candidate will define an independent research agenda in AI agents, explore connections to MERL initiatives and publish high-impact articles in top venues, contributing to MERL's leadership in AI

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related fields.
• Strong publication record in top conferences/journals.
• Solid experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning research.
• Ability to conduct/publish independent research and collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Define and pursue an independent research agenda in AI agents
• Explore connections to existing MERL research initiatives
• Publish high-impact articles in leading venues

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related fields

Job description

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) is seeking exceptional candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focused on artificial intelligence, specifically on capable/trustworthy/efficient/generalist agentic systems, e.g., multi-agent reasoning, self-improving agents. This unique opportunity allows early-career scientists to pursue their own original research agenda at an academically-oriented industrial laboratory. This position offers a valuable stepping-stone for both academic and industrial research career paths. The expected appointment for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is 2 years and may lead to a subsequent full-time employment at MERL.

The successful candidate will:

• Define and pursue an independent research agenda in AI agents
• Explore connections to existing MERL research initiatives
• Publish high-impact articles in leading venues

Research Areas

We are particularly interested in candidates with solid expertise in:

• Fundamental generative AI techniques and agentic frameworks
• Foundation models: Large language models and vision language models
• Reinforcement learning, multi-agent, long-term planning, and knowledge transfer
• Cognitive architecture, mind theory, machine consciousness, reasoning, and world modeling
• Edge AI agents, AI accelerations, efficient AI, self-improving AI
• Embodied AI, robotic AI, human-AI collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related fields
• Strong publication record in top conferences/journals
• Solid experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning research
• Ability to conduct/publish independent research and collaborate across disciplines

This position provides an excellent opportunity to make fundamental contributions to AI research while gaining valuable industry research experience. Join our team and help shape the future of AI technology. Further information about our postdoctoral research fellowship program can be found here: https://www.merl.com/employment/postdoctoral-research.

The pay range for this position at the commencement of employment is expected to be between $135,000 and $170,000 per year. Actual base pay will depend on a variety of individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition to base salary, the total compensation package will include an annual performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits program encompassing medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous 401(k) match; commuting and home office stipends and various paid time off programs (including vacation, sick time, personal and parental leave). Specific details regarding participation in these programs will be provided upon an offer of employment.

Employment is considered "at-will", and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.

PRINCIPALS ONLY. No phone calls please.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.