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National University of Singapore

Research Engineer (Dexterous in-hand manipulation)

Closes:

1,164

Job Description

The research project focuses on developing real2sim2real learning and control methodologies for acquiring robust dexterous manipulation skills in complex, content-rich environments. The research engineer is expected to contribute to the following key aspects:

a) Develop real-to-simulation modeling and system identification methods that reconstruct manipulation scenes, object properties, contact dynamics, and robot–environment interactions from multimodal real-world observations, enabling high-fidelity and scalable simulation of dexterous manipulation tasks.

b) Design simulation-based skill learning and optimization methods for contact-rich dexterous manipulation, integrating differentiable simulation, trajectory optimization, reinforcement learning, and/or imitation learning to efficiently acquire transferable manipulation policies under complex physical constraints and diverse task conditions.

c) Develop sim-to-real adaptation and closed-loop skill refinement approaches that leverage multimodal sensory feedback, including vision, tactile, and proprioceptive information, to bridge the simulation-to-reality gap and continuously improve manipulation performance in the real world. The resulting real2sim2real framework will support scalable acquisition of generalizable dexterous manipulation skills and facilitate learning from rich human demonstrations, task semantics, and physical interactions for complex robotic manipulation scenarios.

Qualifications

  • Master or Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline, e.g. robotics, computer science, electrical/electronic engineering, etc.
  • Extensive experience in dexterous hand manipulation, especially in in-hand skills with demonstrated expertise in real-world robotic applications.
  • Substantial practical experience in real robot development and deployment, including multi-fingered robot systems.
  • Proficient experience with various robotics simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, ISSAC) and excellent programming skills in C++ and Python with the ability to develop efficient, production-quality code.
  • Open to Fixed Term Contract.

Job details

Title
Research Engineer (Dexterous in-hand manipulation)
Employer
National University of Singapore
Location
Kent Ridge Campus
Published
Sep 15, 2026
Closes:
Nov 14, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Laboratory and Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications do I need for the Research Engineer (Dexterous In-Hand Manipulation) role?

You need a Master or Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline such as robotics, computer science, or electrical/electronic engineering. The role especially values extensive experience in dexterous hand manipulation and in-hand manipulation skills applied to real-world robots. If you are building your profile, explore research job listings and research assistant career tips.

🤖Which technical skills and tools are essential for this dexterous manipulation research job?

Key tools include MuJoCo and Isaac Gym robotics simulators, plus production-quality programming in C++ and Python. The work involves reinforcement learning, imitation learning, differentiable simulation, and trajectory optimization for contact-rich manipulation. You should be comfortable with multi-fingered robot systems, real robot deployment, and sim-to-real transfer. Explore related research assistant roles or tips to excel in research positions.

🔬What does the real2sim2real research focus involve?

The project develops real2sim2real learning and control for robust dexterous manipulation skills in complex environments. It includes real-to-simulation modeling and system identification of objects, contact dynamics, and robot-environment interactions, then simulation-based skill learning with reinforcement learning and imitation learning, and finally sim-to-real adaptation using vision, tactile, and proprioceptive feedback to improve real-world performance. See more research job opportunities.

📍Where is this Research Engineer position located and what is the employment type?

The role is based at Kent Ridge Campus at the National University of Singapore. The appointment is offered on a Fixed Term Contract, so be prepared for time-limited research project work. If you're interested in similar opportunities, browse university jobs and administration and research jobs.

📝How can I strengthen my application for a dexterous in-hand manipulation research engineer role?

Highlight hands-on experience with multi-fingered robotic hands, real robot development, and sim-to-real transfer. Provide concrete examples of C++ and Python projects, reinforcement learning or imitation learning pipelines, and any use of MuJoCo or Isaac Gym. Use a clear, research-focused CV; review how to write a winning academic CV and download a free resume template.

⏳What is the application deadline for this research engineer job?

The listed application deadline is November 14, 2026. Since the role is on a Fixed Term Contract, early preparation is recommended. Check higher ed career advice for guidance on applications and interviews.

About the employer

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