As part of the Electrical Engineering program of the Engineering Division and the Center of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at NYU Abu Dhabi the group of Prof. Kostas J. Kyriakopoulos seeks to improve the autonomy of Field Robotic systems by fusing control theoretic and machine intelligence approaches. Formal models are directly applied in real experimental facilities. Marine Robotics is our main emphasis, but candidates with prior experience on Aerial or Ground Systems are not excluded.

We are seeking two (2) Post-Doctoral associates to join our expanding team and make significant contributions to the field. The researchers are expected to have (i) strong engineering skills to find innovative and cost-effective means to improve our research, and (ii) exemplary passion and motivation to enhance our multidisciplinary research at the intersection of control theory and machine intelligence. Methodologies of interest include:

• Robot modelling,
• Nonlinear and Optimal control,
• Reinforcement learning, and
• Data-driven modeling and control.

The Post-Doctoral associates will be based at NYU Abu Dhabi and will directly report to Prof. K.J.Kyriakopoulos, in close collaboration with other researchers, PhD students, and undergraduate research assistants. The Post-Doctoral associates will engage with our regular collaborators at local institutions in the UAE and abroad.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality and innovative research primarily focused on Control theory and ML methodologies for Field Robotics;
• Support the supervisor in developing and implementing the research agenda;
• Reproduce results of the state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods;
• Design and develop experimental facilities to allow implementing experiments on real platforms operating indoors and outdoors, to compare our proposed work with SOTA baselines;
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals and conferences;
• Create, maintain, and document high-quality research code for reproducibility; and
• Collaborate with scientists within the NYU Global Network and in Abu Dhabi.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possessing a Doctoral degree from a recognized institution in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Naval or Aerospace Engineering.
• Is less than 5 years post receiving the Doctoral degree.
• First-author peer-reviewed published papers (and/or under review).
• Demonstrable research experience involving integration of hardware and software of robotic systems.
• Demonstrable research experience in conducting experiments for Field Robotic Systems.
• Proficient programming experience in embedded, real-time software in C/C++ and Python with several years of practice.
• Experience in maintaining high-quality code on Github.
• Ability to visualize experimental results.
• Effective inter-personal and team-building skills.
• Self-motivated with an ability to work independently and in a team to get the work done.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written communication).
• Willingness to learn and confront new challenges.

The appointments will be for two (2) years with the option to renew further, depending on performance. The terms of employment are very competitive and will include housing and travel subsidies. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the positions are filled. These positions are not located in the United States. Candidates must be willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, up-to-date CV, research statement (1-page), a transcript or degree, and at least two letters of recommendation, all in PDF format on or before July 1, 2026. If you have any questions that are not answered in the job advert, please email: kk4812@nyu.edu and include [Application for postdoctoral researcher] in the subject line.

About NYU Abu Dhabi

https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD

At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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