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

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrical and Computer Engineering will 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, designing measurement and evaluation frameworks, and applying tools from game theory, mechanism design, privacy, and security. The postdoctoral researcher will lead publications, release open-source code and datasets, and help mentor graduate students.

The role also involves collecting and analyzing data, conducting research experiments within the department’s and university’s predetermined research scope and methodology, and participating in manuscript writing for scientific journals and presentations. Depending on the area and specialty, lab maintenance, equipment maintenance, and ordering supplies may be required. Assistance with grant writing and other assigned tasks may also be included.

The position is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral associate/fellow position. Carnegie Mellon University describes a broad benefits package for eligible employees, including insurance coverage, retirement savings, tuition benefits, paid time off, observed holidays, transit and fitness perks, and childcare-navigation support.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, economics, or a related field, with a strong background in machine learning, multi-agent systems, or algorithmic game theory.
• A combination of education and relevant experience demonstrating comparable knowledge may be considered.
• Ability to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners with a high level of integrity.
• Share and support Carnegie Mellon University’s values and mission.

Responsibilities

• Study agentic marketplaces involving autonomous AI agents and people acting on behalf of users and businesses.
• Develop theoretical and empirical methods to analyze agent interactions, including strategic behavior, collusion, information leakage, manipulation, and 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 using specialized skills in the related field.
• Conduct research experiments within the predetermined research scope and methodology of the department and university.
• Maintain lab equipment and order supplies, as required by the area and specialty.
• Participate in or assist with manuscript writing for scientific journals and presentations.
• May assist with 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 support for navigating childcare needs
• Fitness center access

What This Job Offers

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