Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Autonomy Research Institute

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

The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts applied research at the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in support of sponsored research, autonomous technology development, and institutional research initiatives. The position develops, integrates, and evaluates innovative solutions in autonomous systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, control systems, sensing technologies, and related disciplines. Responsibilities include designing and executing laboratory, simulation, and field-based research, contributing to technical publications and grant proposals, collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to advance ARI's research mission and autonomous technology capabilities.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, conducts applied research in autonomous systems with an emphasis on machine learning, deep learning, control systems, sensing systems, and related technologies. Supports the development, testing, and transition of emerging autonomous technologies through laboratory, simulation, and field research activities. The Postdoctoral Research Associate, applies advanced scientific knowledge and technical expertise to support sponsored research projects and institutional research priorities. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Maintains laboratory, testing, and research environments in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research: 70%

• Conduct independent and collaborative applied research in support of research projects and Institutional research priorities.

• Develop and execute research activities within their field of expertise, including the formulation of research questions, technical approaches, and research objectives.

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize research data.

• Develop research methodologies, experimental designs, protocols, models, and analytical approaches appropriate to the research discipline and project objectives.

• Assist in laboratory, field, or research program operations, including equipment maintenance and resource management.

• Document research methods, technical approaches, analyses, and results to support research reproducibility, validation, and technical reporting.

• Write and contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.

• Contribute to grant proposals, research funding applications, technical reports, and sponsor deliverables.

• Due to the nature of some engagements, travel may be required.

 

Research Integration and Testing: 20%

• Integrate research methods, algorithms, software, sensing systems, and emerging technologies into laboratory, simulation, and field-based research environments.

• Plan and execute experimental activities supporting the testing, evaluation, and validation of research concepts and technologies.

• Collaborate with ARI’s Applied Research, Engineering, and Program Integration personnel to transition research concepts into testable experimental capabilities.

• Evaluate experimental results against defined research objectives, technical requirements, and performance measures.

• Identify technical challenges, research gaps, and opportunities for continued development based on experimental and test results.

• Document experimental configurations, methodologies, results, and lessons learned to support reproducibility and future research activities.

• Support the integration of research outcomes into prototype systems, operational demonstrations, or technology transition activities.

• Safely operates university vehicles/machinery.

 

Mentoring: 5%

• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and ARI Undergraduate Student Workers and Graduate Assistants who support research activities related to assigned projects.

• Provide technical guidance, research instruction, and professional development support to student researchers as appropriate.

• Assist students in the execution of research activities, data collection, laboratory procedures, and documentation while promoting safe and effective research practices.

 

Research Communication: 5%

• Prepare and present research findings at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops.

• Actively participate in the preparation of required technical progress reports and other research communications required by research sponsors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Robotics, or another closely related discipline

• Maintain valid driver license

• Demonstrated research experience in autonomous systems, AI, machine learning, control systems, sensing systems, robotics, or a closely related field

• Ability to conduct independent scientific research

• Experience with research data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization

SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• High level of articulation and professionalism

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving

• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement 

• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with minimal supervision

• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively

• Knowledge of scientific research methods and experimental design

• Ability to analyze complex technical problems

• Ability to prepare technical reports and scholarly publications

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences

• Ability to work safely in laboratory and field research environments

• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience designing and executing laboratory, simulation, or field-based experiments

• Experience developing software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, ROS, simulation environments, or other scientific computing tools applicable to autonomous systems research

• Record of scholarly publications, technical reports, or conference presentations

• Experience contributing to externally funded research projects, grant proposals, or technical reports

• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary research, engineering, or operational teams

• Experience mentoring Undergraduate or Graduate Student Researchers

• Familiarity with aviation, autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), or related technology sectors

SALARY: Up To $4,500.00 Monthly ($54,000.00 Annual, Approximately)

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.