Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Corpus Christi, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts applied research at the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) in support of sponsored research, autonomous technology development, and institutional research initiatives. The position develops, integrates, and evaluates innovative solutions in autonomous systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, control systems, sensing technologies, and related disciplines. Responsibilities include designing and executing laboratory, simulation, and field-based research, contributing to technical publications and grant proposals, collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to advance ARI's research mission and autonomous technology capabilities.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate, under general supervision, conducts applied research in autonomous systems with an emphasis on machine learning, deep learning, control systems, sensing systems, and related technologies. Supports the development, testing, and transition of emerging autonomous technologies through laboratory, simulation, and field research activities. The Postdoctoral Research Associate, applies advanced scientific knowledge and technical expertise to support sponsored research projects and institutional research priorities. Writes and may contribute to research papers, articles, and publications. Maintains laboratory, testing, and research environments in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Robotics, or another closely related discipline
• Maintain valid driver license
• Demonstrated research experience in autonomous systems, AI, machine learning, control systems, sensing systems, robotics, or a closely related field
• Ability to conduct independent scientific research
• Experience with research data collection, processing, analysis, and visualization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• High level of articulation and professionalism
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving
• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively
• Knowledge of scientific research methods and experimental design
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems
• Ability to prepare technical reports and scholarly publications
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work safely in laboratory and field research environments
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and executing laboratory, simulation, or field-based experiments
• Experience developing software using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, ROS, simulation environments, or other scientific computing tools applicable to autonomous systems research
• Record of scholarly publications, technical reports, or conference presentations
• Experience contributing to externally funded research projects, grant proposals, or technical reports
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary research, engineering, or operational teams
• Experience mentoring Undergraduate or Graduate Student Researchers
• Familiarity with aviation, autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), or related technology sectors

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative applied research in support of research projects and Institutional research priorities.
• Develop and execute research activities within their field of expertise, including the formulation of research questions, technical approaches, and research objectives.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize research data.
• Develop research methodologies, experimental designs, protocols, models, and analytical approaches appropriate to the research discipline and project objectives.
• Assist in laboratory, field, or research program operations, including equipment maintenance and resource management.
• Document research methods, technical approaches, analyses, and results to support research reproducibility, validation, and technical reporting.
• Write and contribute to research papers, articles, and publications.
• Contribute to grant proposals, research funding applications, technical reports, and sponsor deliverables.
• Integrate research methods, algorithms, software, sensing systems, and emerging technologies into laboratory, simulation, and field-based research environments.
• Plan and execute experimental activities supporting the testing, evaluation, and validation of research concepts and technologies.
• Collaborate with ARI’s Applied Research, Engineering, and Program Integration personnel to transition research concepts into testable experimental capabilities.
• Evaluate experimental results against defined research objectives, technical requirements, and performance measures.
• Identify technical challenges, research gaps, and opportunities for continued development based on experimental and test results.
• Document experimental configurations, methodologies, results, and lessons learned to support reproducibility and future research activities.
• Support the integration of research outcomes into prototype systems, operational demonstrations, or technology transition activities.
• Safely operates university vehicles/machinery.
• May assist, mentor, and/or supervise Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and ARI Undergraduate Student Workers and Graduate Assistants who support research activities related to assigned projects.
• Provide technical guidance, research instruction, and professional development support to student researchers as appropriate.
• Assist students in the execution of research activities, data collection, laboratory procedures, and documentation while promoting safe and effective research practices.
• Prepare and present research findings at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Actively participate in the preparation of required technical progress reports and other research communications required by research sponsors.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
• ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness, Book scholarships, 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month, 8 hours of sick leave time off every month, 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave, 12-15 paid holidays each year.

What This Job Offers

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