Postdoctoral research position in mobile robotics at MIT

A postdoctoral research position is available in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge USA. The appointment will begin in (or near) September, 2008 and last for 12 months, with a possible 6-12 month extension.

The area of research will be statistical mobility prediction for mobile robotic systems operating in natural terrain. The goal of the work will be to develop efficient, rigorous methods for predicting the ability of a robotic system to safely move through environments and surmount obstacles with poorly known physical characteristics. The research will be led by Dr. Karl Iagnemma and is sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Office.

The ideal candidate would possess strong analytical skills, and be familiar with stochastic simulation methods such as Monte Carlo (and similar) techniques. Fundamental knowledge of mobile robot kinematics and dynamics is required, as is expertise with common simulation (Matlab, Simulink) and programming (C, C++) tools. Familiarity with Bekker-type vehicle-terrain interaction models is desirable, but not required.

Applicants should submit 1) a CV, including a brief research statement, 2) 1-3 recent publications in electronic format, and 3) the names and contact information of three individuals who can serve as references. The total file size of applications should be < 3 MB. Only electronic applications will be considered.

Applicants should contact:

Karl Iagnemma, Ph.D.
Principal Research Scientist
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 3-435a
Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
email: kdi@mit.edu
http://robots.mit.edu/people/Karl/karl.html