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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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQR4HbGJu0) !

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 generous benefits package (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/index.php) and 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: (https://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/benefits/website/BenefitsGuide.pdf)

+ 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 (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/careers/dual-career-partner/index.php)

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/eap.php)

+ Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/tuition/index.php)

+ Public Loan Forgiveness

+ Book scholarships

+ 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/retirement-programs.php) :

+ Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

+ Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/time-off/index.php) :

+ 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.