Postdoctoral Research Associate – Physical/Embodied AI
About The Position
Brookhaven National Lab’s (BNL) AI Department welcomes qualified candidates to apply to a new postdoc research position in Embodied AI. The 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 physical AI and embodied AI, particularly foundation models for robotics and physical interaction, including VLAs (vision language action models), robotic agents, world models, and video policies.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering awarded within the past 5 years. A Ph.D. in a related field (e.g., other science, engineering, applied mathematics, statistics), with strong demonstrated AI and robotics experience would also be considered.
- 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.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience with robotics and/or ML-based work with relevant electronics and components (sensors, motors, controllers, etc.).
- 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.
- Experience in developing, training, evaluating, and deploying large AI/ML models in HPC and cluster computing environments.
- Experience with 3D modeling, 3D printing, and custom hardware.
- Experience with robotic diagnostics, maintenance, and customization.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary collaborations.
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.
Benefits
- Comprehensive employee benefits program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
