Are you passionate about advancing robotics and artificial intelligence? The Robot Learning & Control laboratory in the Division of Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Associate to join our team with a strong background in robot control, machine learning, and differential geometry to work on the development of advanced algorithms to enhance the safety and robustness of human-robot interaction.

The postdoc will work on projects focusing on one or more of the following:

· Learning-Based Control: Developing reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and learning from demonstration (LfD) techniques to improve adaptability and efficiency in dynamic robotic systems.

· Safe and Certified Control: Designing control algorithms that ensure passivity, Lyapunov stability, and safety for human-robot collaboration.

· Advanced Manipulation and Navigation: Enabling robots to handle complex, dynamic environments, including those involving deformable objects and uncertain conditions.

· Human-Robot Interaction: Creating adaptive frameworks for safe, effective collaboration between robots and humans in shared workspaces.

· Integration of AI and Robotics: Leveraging cutting-edge machine learning, including Large Language Models (LLMs), to enhance decision-making and planning in robotic systems.

Qualifications:

- Applicants must have a PhD in Robotics, Control Theory, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on robot control, machine learning, and differential geometry.

- Demonstrated experience in developing advanced control and learning algorithms, particularly in the context of human-robot interaction, in addition to an experience in working with real robotic manipulators.

- Demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation, research-oriented thinking, and a drive to operationalize robotic systems for real-world tasks.

- Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) is highly desirable. If not, a strong motivation to explore this area is essential.

- A strong publication record in high-impact journals and conferences (e.g., T-RO, IJRR, RA-L, RAS, IROS, ICRA, CDC, etc.), showcasing your expertise.

- Proficiency in programming languages and tools commonly used in robotics, such as C , MATLAB, Python, and ROS.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

For consideration, applicants need to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae with full publication list, statement of research interests and two letters of reference, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email Prof. Fares Abu-Dakka at fa2656@nyu.edu

The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled.

Position Details:
Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and project needs.
Location: NYU Abu Dhabi, a world-class research institution offering a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

About NYUAD:
NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer
UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply