Postdoctoral Research Associate - Robots and Agents

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Robots and Agents

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Engineering - ENGR

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

 

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research team developing advanced autonomous multi-robot systems for exploration and reconnaissance. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge research on coordinated autonomous ground and aerial robotic systems, focusing on multi-agent collaboration, autonomous decision-making, perception, planning, and control in complex and dynamic environments and support mentoring/teaching responsibilities by strengthening the integration of cutting-edge research into the curriculum and providing students with hands-on learning and research opportunities.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to the development of algorithms and software that enable teams of robots to perform coordinated maneuvers, self-organize, understand and model their surroundings, and autonomously generate efficient paths and formations while adapting to changing environmental conditions. The position also involves designing and validating digital twins and conducting experiments using physical robotic platforms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Laboratory Coordination: 85%

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on autonomous multi-robot systems for exploration and reconnaissance, with an emphasis on coordinated ground and aerial robotic platforms.

• Develop novel algorithms for multi-agent coordination, autonomous navigation, distributed control, formation control, perception, and decision-making in complex environments.

• Design and implement data-driven approaches, including machine learning, reinforcement learning, surrogate models, and optimization techniques, to enhance robotic autonomy and mission performance.

• Develop and validate digital twin environments for simulation, testing, and evaluation of autonomous robotic systems and structures.

• Integrate and evaluate algorithms on robotic platforms using Robot Operating System (ROS) and sensors such as LiDAR, cameras, and other perception systems.

• Conduct laboratory and field experiments, analyze experimental data, and validate system performance.

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national/international conferences.

• Participate in the preparation of grant proposals, technical reports, sponsor deliverables, and other research documentation.

• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, including experiment scheduling, equipment allocation, and laboratory logistics.

• Maintain and troubleshoot robotic platforms, sensors, computing resources, laboratory software to ensure operational readiness.

• Ensure laboratory safety through regular inspections, equipment maintenance, compliance with university and sponsor safety protocols, and management of laboratory inventories.

• Support the planning and execution of robotic demonstrations, field testing, and outreach activities.

 

Teaching and Mentoring: 10%

• Support undergraduate and graduate instruction through lecture/laboratory teaching, guest lectures, curriculum development, and integration of current research into academic courses.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in robotics and autonomous systems research, providing guidance in algorithm development, software implementation, experimentation, and scientific communication.

• Assist students in research project development, preparation of technical publications, and professional development.

• Participate in departmental seminars, laboratory demonstrations, outreach events, and lab tours.

 

Other: 5%

• Perform other duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in autonomous robotic systems and multi-agent robotics.

• Hands-on experience with multi-robot platforms (UGVs, UAVs, or similar autonomous systems).

• Experience integrating and using robotic sensors, including LiDAR, cameras, inertial sensors, and camera tracking systems.

• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python, with experience developing software using Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS2).

• Experience deploying and testing algorithms on physical robotic platforms.

• Strong mathematical background in robotics, optimization, estimation, control, artificial intelligence, and algorithm development, machine learning and reinforcement learning.

• Evidence of scholarly publications in robotics, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, or related areas.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.