Post Doctoral Associate

University of Miami • Coral Gables, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Post Doctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Post Doctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community. This role will support the PI in launching new interdisciplinary robotics research and educational initiatives in the ECE Department and across the College of Engineering, including foundational program design and curriculum integration. The associate will lead and contribute to research involving AI-powered and AI-enabled robotic systems, including deep reinforcement learning, computer vision, and human-robot interaction. They will facilitate strategic collaborations across departments within the College of Engineering and with the UM Miller School of Medicine, particularly in the area of medical robotics for surgical and assistive applications. The role involves assisting with setting up the PI’s new research lab, including hardware/software integration, experimental platforms, and safety protocols, and supporting the preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals to federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH). Additionally, the Post Doctoral Associate will mentor and help recruit and train graduate students and undergraduate researchers in robotics, mechatronics, and machine learning. They will design and conduct experimental studies involving robotic platforms such as dual-arm manipulators, mobile robots, and wearable/exoskeleton robotic systems, and present research at national and international conferences and co-author peer-reviewed publications in leading robotics and AI venues.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree Medicine (MD) required
• No previous experience required
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related Engineering field.
• Extensive experience in robotics system design, real-time control, and embedded systems integration.
• Demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence, including reinforcement learning, computer vision, and deep neural networks applied to robotics.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications and active participation in interdisciplinary research projects.
• Strong programming skills (Python, C++, MATLAB) and experience with software tools such as TensorFlow, ROS, Gazebo, and OpenCV.
• Familiarity with robotic hardware platforms (e.g., Kinova robotic arms, UAVs, mobile robots) and real-time operating systems.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and problem-solving ability in research and development environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with grant writing, mentoring students, and collaborative academic or industry research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
• Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
• Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Support the PI in launching new interdisciplinary robotics research and educational initiatives in the ECE Department and across the College of Engineering, including foundational program design and curriculum integration.
• Lead and contribute to research involving AI-powered and AI-enabled robotic systems, including deep reinforcement learning, computer vision, and human-robot interaction.
• Facilitate strategic collaborations across departments within the College of Engineering and with the UM Miller School of Medicine, particularly in the area of medical robotics for surgical and assistive applications.
• Assist with setting up the PI’s new research lab, including hardware/software integration, experimental platforms, and safety protocols.
• Support preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals to federal funding agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH).
• Mentor and help recruit and train graduate students and undergraduate researchers in robotics, mechatronics, and machine learning.
• Design and conduct experimental studies involving robotic platforms such as dual-arm manipulators, mobile robots, and wearable/exoskeleton robotic systems.
• Present research at national and international conferences and co-author peer-reviewed publications in leading robotics and AI venues.

Benefits

• The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
• With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
• United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
• The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
• The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service.
• A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation.
• The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs.
• The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.
• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults.
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019.
• The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022.
• With more than 17,000 faculty and staff, the University strives for excellence, and is driven by a powerful mission to transform and impact the lives of its students, patients, members of the community, and people across the globe.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree