Postdoctoral Research Associate Robotics and Navigation
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory conducting multidisciplinary research in computing, AI, energy, materials, nuclear science, neutron science, isotopes, and national security.
Funding history
Investors
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is a government-owned, contractor-operated U.S. Department of Energy research laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. UT-Battelle operates ORNL for DOE; the laboratory currently provides AI and high-performance-computing capabilities alongside science and engineering research infrastructure.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will develop an autonomous underground exploration and mapping platform. You will design ROS 2 software, integrate sensors and onboard hardware, calibrate and synchronize devices, and build localization, SLAM, mapping, and navigation capabilities. You will deploy and evaluate algorithms on physical robots, conduct experiments, measure system performance, and publish research findings.
Requirements
- PhD in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field obtained within the last 5 years
- Experience developing robotic systems using ROS 2
- Hands-on experience integrating sensors, actuators, computing hardware, or communications interfaces on a mobile robot
- Research or development experience in automated controls, SLAM, autonomous navigation, or trajectory planning
- Experience deploying and evaluating algorithms on physical robots
- Proficiency in Python, modern C++, and Linux development environments
- Complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Obtain and maintain required employment credentialing
Responsibilities
- Design and implement ROS 2 software for sensing, autonomy, mapping, data logging, launch management, and configuration management
- Develop and integrate ROS 2 drivers and hardware interfaces
- Develop sensor calibration, coordinate-frame management, timestamp synchronization, and data-acquisition procedures
- Develop and evaluate multi-sensor localization and state-estimation methods
- Implement LiDAR-based or LiDAR-inertial SLAM and optimization methods
- Develop path planning, obstacle avoidance, autonomous exploration, and trajectory-planning capabilities
- Develop point-cloud registration and mapping workflows
- Plan and conduct experiments on physical robotic systems
- Establish measures for localization drift, mapping accuracy, and navigation reliability
- Publish results and communicate findings through reports and presentations
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- Banking facilities
- Cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Educational assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts