Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

2d

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering seeks a postdoctoral researcher to study agentic marketplaces, where autonomous AI agents negotiate, transact, and coordinate with one another and with people on behalf of users and businesses. The researcher will develop theoretical and empirical methods to analyze agent interactions, including emergent strategic behavior, collusion, information leakage, manipulation, and effects on market efficiency and fairness. The work includes building simulation testbeds of LLM-based agents and designing measurement and evaluation frameworks, drawing on game theory, mechanism design, privacy, and security. The postdoc will lead publications, release open-source code and datasets, and help mentor graduate students.

The role also includes collecting and analyzing data, conducting research experiments within the department’s and university’s research scope and methodology, and contributing to manuscript writing for scientific publications and presentations. Depending on the area and specialty, lab maintenance, equipment maintenance, and ordering supplies may be required. The postdoctoral researcher may also assist with grant writing and perform other tasks as assigned.

The position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carnegie Mellon values flexibility, excellence, passion, inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity, and seeks a team member able to interact effectively and with integrity with varied internal and external partners.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, economics, or a related field.
• Strong background in machine learning, multi-agent systems, or algorithmic game theory.
• Comparable knowledge demonstrated through a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Ability to interact effectively with varied internal and external partners with a high level of integrity.

Responsibilities

• Study agentic marketplaces in which autonomous AI agents negotiate, transact, and coordinate with one another and with people.
• Develop theoretical and empirical methods to analyze agent interactions, strategic behavior, collusion, information leakage, manipulation, and effects on market efficiency and fairness.
• Build simulation testbeds of LLM-based agents and design measurement and evaluation frameworks.
• Apply tools from game theory, mechanism design, privacy, and security.
• Lead publications and release open-source code and datasets.
• Help mentor graduate students.
• Collect and analyze data, including conducting periodic literature searches and applying specialized skills in the related field.
• Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of the department and university.
• Perform lab and equipment maintenance and order supplies as required by the area and specialty.
• Participate in or assist with manuscript writing for scientific journals and presentations.
• May assist in grant writing.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Paid time off
• Observed holidays
• Life insurance
• Accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
• Fitness center access

What This Job Offers

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