Postdoctoral Associate in Field Robotics and Control Theory
Join NYU Abu Dhabi’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to advance autonomous robotic systems through cutting-edge control theory and machine intelligence.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with a strong background in robotics, control theory, and embedded systems who seek to bridge hardware and software in autonomous systems.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) focuses on enhancing the autonomy of field robotic systems by integrating control theory and machine intelligence. Led by Professor Kostas J. Kyriakopoulos, the role involves pioneering research in robot modeling, nonlinear control, reinforcement learning, and data-driven methodologies. The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, conduct experiments on real robotic platforms, and contribute to high-impact publications. The position emphasizes hands-on engineering, experimental validation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with opportunities to engage with local and international partners in the UAE and beyond. Relocation to Abu Dhabi is required for this full-time, fixed-term appointment.
What you'll do
- Conduct innovative research focused on control theory and machine learning methodologies for field robotics, aiming to improve system autonomy and performance.
- Support the development and implementation of the research agenda, including reproducing state-of-the-art methods and designing experimental facilities for real-world testing.
- Develop and maintain high-quality, reproducible research code and experimental setups for indoor and outdoor robotic platforms.
- Collaborate with researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate assistants to advance multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of control and AI.
- Prepare and publish high-impact manuscripts in top-tier journals and conferences, ensuring rigorous scientific contributions.
- Engage with international collaborators within the NYU Global Network and local institutions in the UAE to foster knowledge exchange and innovation.
Requirements
Degree required: Doctoral degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Naval, or Aerospace Engineering from a recognized institution
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and collaboration
Instruction: English
Publications: First-author peer-reviewed publications or papers under review in relevant fields
- Demonstrable research experience integrating hardware and software in robotic systems
- Proficient programming skills in C/C++ and Python for embedded and real-time applications
- Experience conducting experiments on field robotic systems (marine, aerial, or ground)
- Ability to visualize and analyze experimental results effectively
- Strong interpersonal and team-building skills for collaborative research environments
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for academic and professional settings
- Must be less than 5 years post-PhD degree
- Willingness to relocate to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- No explicit nationality restrictions, but UAE nationals are encouraged to apply
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-07-01
Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, research statement (1-page), degree transcript, and at least two letters of recommendation in PDF format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
- Cover letter
- CV
- Research statement (1-page)
- Degree transcript or certificate
- Three reference letters
Contact
Kostas J. Kyriakopoulos· Professor
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