"Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0003509)"

Job Details

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

Salary: $82,000-$89,000 a year

Description

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

RESEARCH TITLE

Robotics Research Engineer (2025-2026)

JOB DESCRIPTION

NIST is seeking a self-motivated researcher with experience using high dexterity, multi-finger robot hands. The selected candidate will contribute to projects focused on the research and development of methods for benchmarking robotic grasping and manipulation. The work will include research with multiple commercial robotic grasp-type end-effectors, integration of force sensors at the fingertip, performance testing focused on high-dexterity capabilities such as ‘in-hand manipulation’ and ‘finger force sensitivity’, and forward thinking experimentation and evaluation of new technologies in the field of grasping and manipulation.

EXPECTATIONS/RESPONSABILITIES

• The researcher is expected to be able to work independently.
• They must be able to communicate their goals, needs, and project updates clearly.
• They will be expected to document their work well and be prepared to present findings.
• They will conduct experiments, analyze data, and report/document results through technical publications.

Qualifications

Required experience:

• Strong background in robotics and engineering.
• Proficiency in sensor integration, signal processing, and data analysis with robotic systems
• Knowledge of tactile sensing principals and current state-of-the-art technology
• Programming in Python, C++ or equivalent.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and MoveIt

Preferred experience:

• Machine learning techniques for force sensing
• Experience in simulation environments such as IsaacSim, Gazeebo, etc.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills
• Experience with high dexterity hands with more than 2 fingers and higher DOF

Note: This position has the potential for consideration for full-time employment pursuant to the candidate possessing the proper qualifications and the availability of funds.

Applicant must be a US citizen.

More information about the NIST robotics program and the grasping and manipulation work can be found here:

• https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/measurement-science-robotics-and-autonomous-systems
• https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/grasping-manipulation-and-contact-safety-performance-robotic-systems

Information about the NIST PREP program can be found here:

• https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/professional-research-experience-program

Application Instructions

Please upload the following with your application:

• CV/Resume

Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Please DO NOT include telephone numbers, home address or photos on your resume.