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Postdoc Robotics Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Postdoc Robotics information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc in Robotics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Robotics, you need a PhD in robotics, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, along with strong research and analytical skills. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Python or C++), robotics simulation tools (like ROS or Gazebo), and experience with machine learning or control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear scientific communication make a candidate stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, publishing impactful work, and contributing to innovative robotics projects.

What types of interdisciplinary collaboration can a Postdoc in Robotics expect, and how do these collaborations impact research outcomes?

As a Postdoc in Robotics, you can expect to work closely with professionals from various fields such as computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and even biology or cognitive science, depending on the project. These interdisciplinary collaborations are crucial for addressing complex research problems, fostering innovation, and ensuring that robotic systems are both technically robust and practical for real-world applications. Effective teamwork and communication skills are essential, as you will often contribute your robotics expertise while integrating insights from collaborators to advance research outcomes and publish in high-impact journals.

What are Postdoc Robotics positions?

Postdoc Robotics positions are advanced research roles typically held by individuals who have recently completed their PhD in robotics or a related field. These positions involve conducting independent or collaborative research focused on robotics technologies, such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or human-robot interaction. Postdoctoral researchers in robotics often work at universities, research institutes, or industry labs, contributing to scientific publications and helping to develop new technologies. The role is meant to further develop research expertise and prepare for careers in academia, industry, or government research.

What is the difference between Postdoc Robotics vs Research Scientist Robotics?

AspectPostdoc RoboticsResearch Scientist Robotics
Required CredentialsPhD in Robotics, Engineering, or related fieldMaster's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry R&D labs, tech companies, startups
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government research agenciesPrivate companies, industry-focused research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic vs industry roles in roboticsExploring career progression from academia to industry

Postdoc Robotics positions are primarily academic roles focused on research and publishing, often requiring a PhD. Research Scientist Robotics roles are industry positions that involve applied research, product development, and innovation within companies. While both roles involve robotics research, Postdocs are more academic-oriented, whereas Research Scientists work in commercial environments with a focus on practical applications.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Postdoc Robotics jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Postdoc Robotics job openings:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Robotics job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 71% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, 7% Nights, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Postdoctoral Appointee - Humanoid and dexterous robotics development

Postdoctoral Appointee - Humanoid and dexterous robotics development

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL • On-site

$72.88K - $121.47K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

This is an opportunity for a knowledgeable and creative individual to be part of a team developing advanced humanoid and dexterous robotic capabilities for scientific use-cases. Recent progress has solidified artificial intelligence (AI) as a key science accelerator, especially in concert with automated techniques for sample creation, movement, and evaluation. However, the flexibility and intelligence of these systems are insufficient to cover the diversity of human-driven experimental activities. The development of multi-appendage, dexterous robots with embodied intelligence is a key to closing this gap.


The successful candidate will work in the Data Science and Learning division of the Computing, Environment, and Life Sciences directorate of Argonne National Laboratories. Primary responsibilities will be the development of AI models for robotic control and the demonstration of these methods via simulation and experiment. Beyond the listed projects, the candidate may contribute to other large-team scientific projects in artificial intelligence, materials engineering, chemistry, and beyond at Argonne National Laboratory.

Position Requirements

  • Recently completed PhD within the last 0-5 years in computer science, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, or related engineering disciplines
  • Experience with state of the art AI methods for robotics
  • Experience with robotics research strongly preferred
  • Experience in deep learning including data collection, architecture development, model training, and validation
  • Interest in software development, with particular emphasis on the Python programming language and contributions to open-source scientific software
  • Scientific productivity, as demonstrated by publications and conference presentations
  • Effective oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, integrity, respect and teamwork.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.