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Phd Optimization Research Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Waabi

Research Scientist, Learnable Planner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$158K - $269K/yr

Qualifications: - MS/PhD degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision ... control, optimization based approaches, search methods, probabilistic decision making ...

Waabi

Research Scientist, Learnable Planner

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

$158K - $269K/yr

Qualifications: - MS/PhD degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision ... control, optimization based approaches, search methods, probabilistic decision making ...

Rincon Research Corp

Geolocation DSP Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

At Rincon Research Corporation, our primary business is innovating, developing, and fielding ... Implementation includes algorithm development, analysis, system optimization and deployment ...

Rincon Research Corp

Sr. DSP Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$190K - $305K/yr

At Rincon Research Corporation, our primary business is innovating, developing, and fielding ... Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other ...

Rincon Research Corp

Jr. DSP Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

At Rincon Research Corporation, our primary business is innovating, developing, and fielding ... Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other ...

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Chemistry

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$70 - $90/hr

... and research domain. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI ... Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry or closely related field. * Extensive hands-on ...

micro1 AI

AI Training Specialist - Chemistry

Yuma, AZ · Remote

$70 - $90/hr

... and research domain. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI ... Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry or closely related field. * Extensive hands-on ...

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Phd Optimization Research information

What is a PhD in optimization research?

A PhD in Optimization Research is an advanced academic degree focused on developing and analyzing mathematical models and algorithms to find the best possible solutions to complex problems. This field often involves linear and nonlinear programming, combinatorial optimization, and stochastic processes, and is applied in areas such as operations research, machine learning, logistics, and engineering. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions, where they work on improving decision-making processes and resource allocation. The program typically involves coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research leading to a dissertation.

What is the difference between Phd Optimization Research vs Data Scientist?

AspectPhd Optimization ResearchData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field; some roles prefer PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departments in industryTech companies, finance, healthcare, consulting firms
Industry UsageFocus on developing optimization algorithms, mathematical modelingFocus on data analysis, machine learning, predictive modeling
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve advanced analytical skills, Phd Optimization Research primarily focuses on developing and refining optimization algorithms and mathematical models, often in research or academic settings. Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and build predictive models, often applying machine learning techniques. The roles overlap in data analysis and quantitative skills but differ in their core focus and typical work environments.

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

To excel as a PhD Optimization Researcher, you typically need a doctorate in applied mathematics, computer science, operations research, or a related field, along with expertise in mathematical modeling and algorithm development. Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++, and familiarity with optimization libraries and tools like Gurobi or CPLEX are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills help in formulating novel solutions and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing research, solving complex optimization problems, and effectively disseminating findings within both academic and industry settings.

What are the typical collaborative projects that a PhD optimization researcher might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

PhD Optimization Researchers often collaborate on projects that integrate expertise from fields such as data science, engineering, computer science, and business analytics. These projects may involve developing and implementing advanced optimization algorithms to solve complex, real-world problems like supply chain management, resource allocation, or energy systems modeling. Team members typically contribute domain knowledge, data, and problem requirements, while the optimization researcher focuses on model formulation, algorithm selection, and solution analysis. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as researchers must translate technical findings into actionable insights for stakeholders.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Optimization Research jobs in Arizona? For Phd Optimization Research jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Optimization Research jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Optimization Research jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Optimization Research jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Optimization Research job openings:
Phd Optimization Research jobs near you

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Electrical and Computer Engineering

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Posting Number
req24051
Department
Elec Comp & Sftwr Engr Sch of
Department Website Link
https://ece.engineering.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
1230 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department at the University of Arizona is seeking a qualified and highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Dr. Ehsan Azimi.
We invite qualified candidates to join our group and participate in cutting-edge research. The chosen candidate will advance research at the intersection of robotics, control & prototyping, and AI/ML. The Postdoc will design, implement, and evaluate robotic systems - including real-time control stacks - and develop learning-enabled perception, planning, and vision-language model (VLM) pipelines. The role includes disseminating results via publications, patents, demos, and grants, in addition to mentoring students and contributing to course modules/workshops in robotics and related topics.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead, design, build and test cycles for robotic platforms and experimental rigs; develop real-time control (e.g., model-based, optimal, learning-augmented control), perception, and planning modules; run structured experiments and benchmarking.
  • Architect high-quality research codebases in C++/Python/C# (e.g., ROS/ROS 2, RT frameworks, Unity/Unreal integration as needed); implement data pipelines, simulation, and CI/testing; maintain reproductible artifacts and documentation.
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; develop short course modules and/or run workshops in Robotics/AI/Control; support inclusive team culture and lab best practices.
  • Lead and co-author journal/conferencepapers; prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; createcompelling presentations/demos and contribute to IP (invention disclosures andpatents); present research at national and international conferences.
  • Contribute to proposaldevelopment and grant writing (including preliminary data, methods, budgetstext); prepare progress reports, and coordination with internal/externalcollaborators; interface with sponsors where applicable.
  • Foster collaborationswithin the Department, with other units across the University, and with teammembers at other institutes.
  • Participate andcontribute to meetings with industry, academia and sponsors.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong analysisskills, research, and technical writing skills.
  • Ability to communicateprofessionally in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of prototyping, specifically control (PID, MPC, optimal/robust, learning-augmented); perception &planning; sensor fusion; calibration; system identification.
  • Programming skills, including C++,Python, C#; ROS/ROS 2; Git; Linux; build systems (CMake);real-time/latency-aware coding; simulation (Gazebo/Isaac/Unity/Unreal asapplicable).
  • Knowledge of experimental design, statistics, ablation studies, replicable pipelines,technical writing.
  • Ability to create clear presentations and use strong interpersonal skills with a collaborativemindset; effective mentoring.

Minimum Qualifications
  • PhD in Robotics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field.
  • Must have PhD conferred upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience integrating hardware + software for robots (arms, mobile, mechatronics) and real-time control.
  • Experience in computer vision, multimodal perception, or foundation models (VLMs/LLMs) applied to robotics.
  • Track record of patent contributions and/or technology transfer.
  • Experience preparing grants (NSF/NIH/DoD/industry) and coordinating collaborative deliverables.
  • Prior experience mentoring/teaching, curriculum or workshop development.
  • Experience with safety standards for robotics labs and human-robot interaction studies.
  • Experience with CUDA/accelerators; optimization; SLAM; tactile/force control; AR/XR interfaces; Unity/C# for robotics visualization; DevOps/containers.
  • Experience with AI/ML: Deep learning for vision/perception; VLMs and LLM tooling; dataset curation; evaluation/benchmarks; basic MLOps.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.00
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines-Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Ehsan Azimi
eazimi@arizona.edu
Open Date
10/6/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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