Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their team.  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.  In this role, you will lead and participate in research that leverages artificial intelligence and large language models to solve fundamental problems in autonomous driving, robotics, verification and validation, and safety problems related to autonomies. You will develop novel methodologies that advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous vehicle technology while ensuring research outcomes are reproducible, well-documented, and aligned with safety-critical system requirements and such other tasks that are assigned to you.

Responsibilities:

• Support PhD students on their research methodologies, experimental designs, and theoretical approach. Participate actively in research meetings, offer constructive suggestions for overcoming technical challenges
• Lead and manage independent research projects by identifying critical gaps in the current understanding of autonomous vehicle safety and AI-driven verification methods.
• Develop comprehensive research plans that outline objectives, methodologies, timelines, and resource requirements. Coordinate with interdisciplinary team members
• Participate in traffic scenario generation project and pedestrian modeling project. Develop sophisticated AI-driven algorithms that create realistic, safety-critical test scenarios for autonomous vehicle validation. Design and implement machine learning models that capture the complexity and variability of real-world traffic situations, including unusual pedestrian behaviors, edge cases, and multi-agent interactions in urban environments
• Conduct research on how to comprehensively establish safety and risk assessment for autonomous vehicle systems by identifying potential failure modes, analyzing system vulnerabilities, and developing mitigation strategies that enhance overall system robustness.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree
• Research experience in traffic modeling, autonomous driving, scenario generation, and
  AI are preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: