Postdoc - Robotics and Embodied AI

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program Brookhaven National Lab’s (BNL) AI Department welcomes qualified candidates to apply to a new postdoc research position in robotics and embodied AI. The new Scientific Embodied Agents Lab (SEAL) within the Computing and Data Sciences (CDS) directorate is working at the intersection of AI and robotics to investigate the challenges and opportunities facing advanced robotics and embodied AI technologies in supporting current scientific workflows and enabling new capabilities. A key motivator for this endeavor is the breadth of experimental science that form the core of BNL’s research focus. We seek to leverage embodied AI to accelerate scientific discovery, enable robust knowledge capture and transfer, and support experimental science in novel ways that cannot be met with traditional automation techniques.

We seek candidates with expertise in robotics and AI, and particularly foundation models for robotics and physical interaction, including VLAs (vision language action models), agentic AI, and world models. We also seek candidates with hands-on experience with robot hardware including electronics, power systems, controllers, sensors, motors, and custom manufactured parts, including 3D printing.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in embodied AI, agentic AI, and robotics, including research with a software-focus (robotics foundation models, world models, simulations), and a hardware-focus (robotic perception, control, manipulation and interaction).
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams across BNL and with our academic and industry partners.
• Conceive and execute high-quality research ideas in partnership with AI Department colleagues and mentors.
• Publish and communicate research outcomes and participate in proposal and collaboration-building activities.

Position Requirements Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in computer science, computer / electrical engineering or related fields (e.g., other science, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics) awarded within the past 5 years.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience in methods and applications from machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics research communities.
• Demonstrated publication record in AI/ML and/or robotics fields.
• Excellent programming and computer science skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Practical experience designing and developing novel AI/ML models.
• Experience with state-of-the-art foundation models, agentic AI models, and simulation environments for robotics.
• Hands-on experience with robotics and/or ML-based work with relevant electronics and components (sensors, motors, controllers, etc.).
• Experience with 3D modeling, 3D printing, and custom hardware.
• Experience in developing, training, evaluating, and deploying large AI/ML models in HPC and cluster computing environments.
• Experience with electronics and mechanical diagnostics, maintenance, and customization (e.g. disassembly, soldering, driver troubleshooting, etc.)
• Experience working in multidisciplinary collaborations.

Other Information

• Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life-changing events
• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL in Upton, NY

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $71900 - $119000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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