Postdoctoral Scholar Mechanical Engineering

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

Most recent review date : Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

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.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be responsible for :

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 applying for the Postdoctoral Scholar 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 and hands-on experience with robotic systems.
• Applicants that are highly self-motivated individuals, who 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 that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the 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

Apply link :

https : / / aprecruit.ucmerced.edu / JPF02021

Help contact : soe-adminopservices@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

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 that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the 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.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links : UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https : / / cie.ucmerced.edu / analytics-hub / student-statistics), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California 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. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA