Post-Doctoral Research Associate- Robotics and Autonomy

Virginia Commonwealth University   Richmond, VA   Full-time     Research
Posted on April 9, 2024
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The College of Engineering (Dean's Office) of the Virginia Commonwealth University is looking for a highly qualified Post-Doctoral Researcher to work within a group and laboratory in Robotics, Autonomy, and Mechatronics in the area of autonomous vehicles and robots.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean's office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to diversity and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

The candidate must have prior experience, through Ph.D. research and professional R&D work, in control systems design and implementation, signal processing, sensor fusion, communications, AI/ML, and software and algorithm development using Python, C++, C, ROS, or other comparable languages for connected (mobile) robots, connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) or driverless cars. Additionally, experience in driving simulator experimentation and driver monitoring using biometric/physiological sensors and instruments, EEG sensors, and the development of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is desirable.

This position will work under the supervision of Professor Azim Eskandarian, Dean of the College of Engineering, and William H. Goodwin Jr. Chair/Professor of Mechanical Engineering, as part of a team of collaborators.

The post-doctoral associate will conduct both independent and supervised research, and under the supervision of the adviser perform tasks on experimental, theoretical, modeling, and simulation projects, conduct experiments, write reports, submit deliverables to sponsors, publish papers, work in a collaborative team environment, assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate students, proposal preparation, and other laboratory duties as assigned. The position requires an outstanding record of scholarship in the fundamental areas listed above, excellent written and oral communication skills, programming experience, and a proven successful project track record. Only applicants with a strong academic background, a track record of high-quality research demonstrated by publications in reputable journals, and directly relevant experience in the areas listed above will be considered.

Term: One year, renewable to two or possibly three years, pending the performance and availability of funds.

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate is required to have a PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another related engineering field, and substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: control systems modeling, design, and implementation; signal processing; sensor fusion; autonomous systems; AI and machine learning; mobile robotics; and connected intelligent/autonomous vehicle systems, along with programming in C/C++/Python or similar languages for hardware/machine interface and robots.

The College of Engineering at VCU champions diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do. Cultivating an ecosystem where differences are celebrated and our faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity to thrive is at the core of how we operate. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional expertise and prior work in related areas such as SLAM and robotic navigation, situational awareness, and collision avoidance, distributed sensor networks, multi-robot coordination, intelligent vehicles, vehicular active safety and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicular communications, man-machine interface, neuro-engineering, and Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) are also highly desirable.

About the College of Engineering:

The College of Engineering's mission is to create and grow a diverse community of exceptional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry partners that strive to create a common future for all where innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions to global engineering challenges are realized for the benefit of this generation and future generations. Additional information about the College may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/about/dean/deans-welcome/

FLSA Status: Exempt
ORP Eligible: Yes

Salary Range: $50,000-$65,000

Position Details:

Department: Dean's Office
Employment Type: PD - Post Doc
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100%
Exemption Status: Exempt


Contact Information:

Contact Name: Emily Perrault

Contact Email: perraultek@vcu.edu