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Postdoc Robotics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The project also makes extensive use of CRISPR-based genome engineering, robot-assisted high ... Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 ...

The project also makes extensive use of CRISPR-based genome engineering, robot-assisted high ... Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 ...

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Postdoc Robotics information

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 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 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 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.
More about Postdoc Robotics jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoc Robotics jobs? Cities with the most Postdoc Robotics job openings:
What states have the most Postdoc Robotics jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoc Robotics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoc Robotics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 6% Internship, 8% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
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

Re-posted 17 hours 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 59 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 https://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 Accessibility@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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