Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Engineering - ENGR

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Learn more information here!

PURPOSE

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the state of the art in safe, efficient, and uncertainty-aware algorithms for autonomous driving systems. The position focuses on developing robust decision-making, planning, and control methods that address uncertainty arising from perception, vehicle dynamics, and complex real-world environments. Research themes include model predictive control, reinforcement learning, reachability analysis, uncertainty quantification, and safety-critical visual reasoning. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers in a highly supportive and innovative environment. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funding.

Responsibilities

Research: 50%

• Conduct research on safe, efficient, and uncertainty-aware algorithms for autonomous driving systems.
• Research themes include:
• Safe and efficient decision-making and control for autonomous vehicles.
• Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and reachability analysis.
• Uncertainty quantification and propagation in planning and control.
• 3D scene understanding, cooperative perception, and safety-critical visual reasoning.
• Develop theoretical and computational methods to advance these areas.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
  
  
Programming, Simulation, and Experimental Implementation: 40%


• Develop, implement, and validate research algorithms.
• Maintain reproducible code and documentation.
• Conduct simulation experiments using driving simulators or other software tools to test and validate algorithms.
• Perform physical experiments on robotic and vehicle-based experimental platforms to evaluate real-world performance.
• Ensure safe operation, setup, and maintenance of research equipment and experimental platforms.
  
  
Communication and Collaboration: 10%


• Prepare research reports, manuscripts, and presentations for conferences and publications.
• Collaborate with lab members, faculty, and external partners on research projects.
• Mentor graduate or undergraduate students as needed.
  
  
Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree in Automation, Robotics, Control, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; advanced ABD will be considered and degree must be conferred by time of appointment.
• Strong background in one or more of the following areas:
• Optimal control, MPC, RL, or reachability analysis.
• Uncertainty quantification, stochastic modeling, or probabilistic reasoning.
• Proficiency in Python, C , or MATLAB, with demonstrated ability to implement complex algorithms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  
  
Preferred Qualifications


• Experience with driving simulators (e.g., CARLA, SUMO) or robotic simulation environments (e.g., Isaac Sim, Gazebo).
• Experience with ROS or ROS 2.
• Experience with PyTorch or other machine learning frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with physical testing or experimentation on robotic or autonomous vehicle platforms.
• Publications in top-tier journals or conferences.
• Evidence of code-base/documentation efforts
• A record of scholarship in preparing research protocol, conducting study, and writing paper.
• A record demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in coordinating research projects, mentoring student interns, and code-base research.
• Interest in safety, uncertainty, and real-time decision making for autonomous systems.
  
  
SALARY: Up to $4,631.23 Monthly ($55,574.70 Annual, Approximately)


• NOTE: This is a grant funded position with continued employment contingent upon available funding.
  
  
BENEFITS (rules, Policies, Eligibility Apply)

From our generousbenefits packageand professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance

• Medical
• $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
• Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
• Employee and Spouse
• Employee and Children
• Employee and Family coverage
• 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.
  
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.