University of California - Merced
Postdoctoral Scholar Mechanical Engineering
University of California - Merced, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Position overview
Position title:
Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range:
Annual Starting Salary: See table 23 for the position salary range based on experience $69,073 - $82,836. Percent time:
100 Anticipated start:
November 1, 2025 Position duration:
2 years (11/1/2025 - 11/1/2027)
Application Window
Open date:
September 5, 2025 Next review date:
Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date:
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Lab of Dr. Ricardo de Castro is looking for a qualified, creative, highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research at the intersection of robotics, controls, and machine learning. The successful candidate will help shape next-generation approaches for autonomous multi-robot systems, integrating advanced theory with real-world deployment. Responsibilities: Designing and implementing learning-based motion planning and control strategies for multi-robot systems. Analyzing the theoretical guarantees of these frameworks using tools from optimization, machine learning, and control theory. Developing simulation environments to test and benchmark the developed control frameworks. Experimentally validating these methods through field experiments with real-world robotic platforms. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also collaborate closely with the laboratory members to execute planned research tasks, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through top-tier scientific publications. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also have the opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students actively involved in the laboratory.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications:
The applicant must have a PhD degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Computer Engineering. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Preferred qualifications: Applicants are preferred to have a strong background in controls and hands-on experience with robotic systems. Applicants who are highly self-motivated and have demonstrated the ability to work independently are desirable.
Application requirements
Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Authorization to Release Information Form – As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including but not limited to violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Reference requirements 3 letters of reference required
Apply link:
https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02021
Help contact
soe-adminopservices@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced is the newest campus in the UC system. UC Merced is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements, including the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Job location
Merced, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position title:
Postdoctoral Scholar Salary range:
Annual Starting Salary: See table 23 for the position salary range based on experience $69,073 - $82,836. Percent time:
100 Anticipated start:
November 1, 2025 Position duration:
2 years (11/1/2025 - 11/1/2027)
Application Window
Open date:
September 5, 2025 Next review date:
Tuesday, Sep 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date:
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Lab of Dr. Ricardo de Castro is looking for a qualified, creative, highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research at the intersection of robotics, controls, and machine learning. The successful candidate will help shape next-generation approaches for autonomous multi-robot systems, integrating advanced theory with real-world deployment. Responsibilities: Designing and implementing learning-based motion planning and control strategies for multi-robot systems. Analyzing the theoretical guarantees of these frameworks using tools from optimization, machine learning, and control theory. Developing simulation environments to test and benchmark the developed control frameworks. Experimentally validating these methods through field experiments with real-world robotic platforms. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also collaborate closely with the laboratory members to execute planned research tasks, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through top-tier scientific publications. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also have the opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students actively involved in the laboratory.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications:
The applicant must have a PhD degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Computer Engineering. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Preferred qualifications: Applicants are preferred to have a strong background in controls and hands-on experience with robotic systems. Applicants who are highly self-motivated and have demonstrated the ability to work independently are desirable.
Application requirements
Document requirements Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Authorization to Release Information Form – As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining misconduct. "Misconduct" means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including but not limited to violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Reference requirements 3 letters of reference required
Apply link:
https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02021
Help contact
soe-adminopservices@ucmerced.edu
About UC Merced
The University of California, Merced is the newest campus in the UC system. UC Merced is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements, including the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs.
Job location
Merced, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr