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Phd Graduate Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aurora Innovation

Applied Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

PhD Graduate in AI, Computer Science, or Robotics (Top-tier research lab background) * Deep expertise in Vision-Language Models (VLM) and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models * Hands-on experience ...

Aurora Innovation

Applied Researcher

Seattle, WA · On-site

PhD Graduate in AI, Computer Science, or Robotics (Top-tier research lab background) * Deep expertise in Vision-Language Models (VLM) and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models * Hands-on experience ...

Aurora Innovation

Applied Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

PhD Graduate in AI, Computer Science, or Robotics (Top-tier research lab background) * Deep expertise in Vision-Language Models (VLM) and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models * Hands-on experience ...

Aurora Innovation

Applied Researcher

Mountain View, CA · On-site

PhD Graduate in AI, Computer Science, or Robotics (Top-tier research lab background) * Deep expertise in Vision-Language Models (VLM) and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models * Hands-on experience ...

Aurora Innovation

Applied Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

PhD Graduate in AI, Computer Science, or Robotics (Top-tier research lab background) * Deep expertise in Vision-Language Models (VLM) and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models * Hands-on experience ...

Point72

NLP / AI Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... research hypothesis to derive alpha • Post-training models for specific tasks • Benchmarking LLM approaches internal tasks Qualifications : Required : • Bachelor, Master's or PhD graduate or ...

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How much do phd graduate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd graduate researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD Graduate Researchers, and how can they be managed effectively?

PhD Graduate Researchers often encounter challenges such as managing long-term projects with uncertain outcomes, balancing research with coursework or teaching responsibilities, and overcoming periods of low motivation or research setbacks. Effective time management, regular communication with advisors, and actively seeking feedback from peers can help address these challenges. Additionally, building a supportive network within your research group and attending academic workshops or conferences can provide valuable resources and motivation throughout your PhD journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Graduate Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Graduate Researcher, you need advanced subject matter expertise, strong analytical skills, and experience in designing and conducting independent research, typically demonstrated by enrollment in a doctoral program. Familiarity with research methodologies, academic databases, data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and sometimes laboratory equipment is critical. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, perseverance, and effective communication—both written and verbal—set successful researchers apart. These skills and qualities are essential for producing original research, navigating complex challenges, and contributing meaningful knowledge to your academic field.

What are PhD Graduate Researchers?

PhD Graduate Researchers are advanced students enrolled in doctoral programs who conduct original research as part of their studies. Their work often involves designing experiments, analyzing data, publishing scholarly articles, and contributing new knowledge to their academic field. In addition to research, they may also assist with teaching or mentoring undergraduate students. Their ultimate goal is to complete a dissertation and earn a PhD degree, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or research-focused roles.

What is the difference between Phd Graduate Researcher vs Postdoctoral Researcher?

AspectPhd Graduate ResearcherPostdoctoral Researcher
Required CredentialsPhD candidate or recent PhD graduatePhD degree completed
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, research institutions, universitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, industry collaborations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles after PhDClarifying post-PhD career stages and responsibilities

In summary, a Phd Graduate Researcher is typically a student or recent graduate engaged in research projects, often within academic settings. A Postdoctoral Researcher has completed their PhD and focuses on advanced research, often leading projects and preparing for academic or industry careers. Both roles involve research but differ mainly in experience level and career stage.

What cities are hiring for Phd Graduate Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Phd Graduate Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Phd Graduate Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Phd Graduate Researcher jobs include:
Phd Graduate Researcher jobs near you
2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you searching for impactful, hands-on work at the forefront of robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled decision making?
Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and experimentation?
Are you excited to work on mission-driven problems that require both technical depth and system-level thinking?
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ). This role is intended for recent PhD graduates who want to apply advanced research to real-world robotic systems operating in complex, mission-driven environments providing asymmetric capabilities for our nation.
Our team develops robotic capabilities and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation's immediate needs, bringing together experts spanning platform design, embedded autonomy, perception, and mission-level behaviors, with a strong emphasis on hands-on system development, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation.
This position is ideal for candidates who want to bridge cutting-edge research and operational deployment, working on systems that extend human capabilities and operate in high-risk or denied environments.
As a member of our team, you will...
  • Lead and contribute to applied research in robotics and autonomy, transitioning novel ideas into prototypes and deployable systems
  • Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms, including sensing, compute, control, and communications
  • Contribute to teams developing advanced autonomy algorithms and pipelines on resource-constrained hardware, including perception, planning, decision-making, and multi-agent coordination
  • Develop and evaluate systems using simulation, digital twins, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments
  • Conduct field experiments and performance evaluations in realistic operational scenarios
  • Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and AI/ML disciplines to deliver integrated capabilities
  • Publish results and help shape future research directions and proposals

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Demonstrate a strong record of research in robotics or autonomous systems (e.g., publications, dissertation work, or equivalent)
  • Have hands-on experience building and testing robotic systems
  • Are familiar with embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, microcontrollers, FPGA-based systems) and real-time sensing and processing
  • Have experience with robotics frameworks and simulation environments (e.g., ROS/ROS2, Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar)
  • Are proficient in programming languages such as Python and C++
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance to start and ultimately a final Top-Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required; subject to a government background investigation).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience developing real-world robotic platforms (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, maritime, or custom systems)
  • Have deep algorithm expertise in one or more areas, such as perception, SLAM, planning, control, or multi-agent autonomy
  • Have experience adapting and deploying AI models for real-time inference on embedded/edge platforms (e.g., Jetson, FPGA, microcontrollers, real-time systems)
  • Have strong experience with robotics simulation and digital twin environments (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim, Unreal, AirSim)
  • Have experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing and sim-to-real transfer
  • Have experience with rapid prototyping, including CAD, fabrication, and electronics integration
  • Demonstrate a track record of transitioning research into operational or applied systems
  • Have experience leading technical efforts or mentoring junior researchers

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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