PostDoctoral Associate

University of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join the Decision Science and Control Lab within the Department of Computer Science. This role involves conducting research on game-theoretic and algorithmic methods for multiagent optimization problems. The associate will develop graph-theoretic analytics, design algorithms for communication and observation breakdowns, analyze adversarial settings, and develop beyond-worst-case methods for assessing game-theoretic solutions. The position requires close collaboration with the Principal Investigator, research collaborators, and students. This position is dependent on external grant funding, which is currently expected to last at least one year.

Requirements

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field, with a focus on game theory.
• Research experience and a publication record in game theory, control theory, algorithms, multiagent systems, or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern game-theoretic utility design techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience mentoring students or supporting student research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical research findings clearly to academic and professional audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop graph-theoretic analytics to characterize how connectivity among agents influences emergent performance in multiagent optimization problems.
• Design algorithms to robustly mitigate the harm caused by unplanned communication or observation breakdown among agents in multiagent optimization problems.
• Situate multiagent optimization problems in adversarial contexts to identify strategic weaknesses and evaluate system vulnerabilities.
• Apply game theory, algorithm design, control theory, and multiagent systems methods to advance the research objectives of the Decision Science and Control Lab.
• Exercise independent judgment, creativity, and analytical reasoning to navigate unfamiliar problem spaces and develop technically rigorous solutions.
• Develop novel beyond-worst-case approaches for assessing the effectiveness of game-theoretic solutions.
• Analyze strategic interactions among agents in networked systems and evaluate how utility design, equilibrium behavior, and network structure affect system outcomes.
• Interpret research results and use findings to inform algorithmic design, theoretical analysis, and future research directions.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other research outputs for academic and professional audiences.
• Communicate research findings clearly through written and oral presentations.
• Contribute to publication efforts in relevant venues in computer science, game theory, control theory, algorithms, and related fields.
• Engage with collaborators and research stakeholders to share progress, incorporate feedback, and advance project goals.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, students, and other research team members on project planning, technical development, and research execution.
• Provide ad hoc research mentoring to students involved in the project, including guidance on problem formulation, technical methods, writing, and presentation preparation.
• Track research progress, organize project materials, and support documentation of research activities and deliverables.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to planning discussions related to research milestones and outputs.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the research project and the mission of the Decision Science and Control Lab.

Benefits

• 22 vacation days
• 10 sick days
• Paid parental leave
• 13 recognized holidays
• Bereavement leave
• Jury duty leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Comprehensive medical plans with no-cost preventative care
• Yearly mental health visit
• Affordable dental plans
• Affordable vision plans
• Competitive prescription drug prices
• Health savings accounts
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement options
• Twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus
• Wellness programs
• Additional benefits through CU Advantage

What This Job Offers

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