Postdoctoral Research Associate - Mechanical Engineering
About The Position
The AVIA (Advanced Vehicle Intelligence and Autonomy) Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Baylor University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. AVIA Lab conducts research at the intersection of aerospace and artificial intelligence, developing cutting-edge techniques in machine learning, optimization, control, and estimation. Current research thrusts include multi-agent coordination, scheduling, and task allocation; energy consumption modeling and validation; airborne wind energy harvesting and optimization; and uncertainty-aware decision making. Our externally funded projects span both theoretical foundations and real-world experimental validation for advanced air mobility, tethered systems, drone surveying, and human-AI interaction. We are seeking a motivated and creative researcher with a strong publication record and hands-on experience in one or more of these areas. The ideal candidate can work independently on challenging open problems while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Requirements
- A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred before start date).
Nice To Haves
- Experience in reinforcement learning (deep RL, multi-agent RL), distributed optimization, task allocation, control, ROS/ROS2, MATLAB/Simulink, experimentation with aerial platforms.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute research experiments; develop and document experimental procedures and protocols
- Operate and maintain advanced research instruments and testbeds
- Analyze data, verify accuracy, and develop recommendations based on results
- Build and maintain research databases and datasets; implement quality control procedures
- Prepare and submit manuscripts, conference papers, technical reports, and presentations
- Support grant proposal development and identify externally funded research opportunities
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students
- Support lab operations and research infrastructure
- Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor's mission
- Ability to comply with University policies
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- generous time off
- tuition remission
- outstanding automatic retirement contributions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
