Postdoctoral Fellow in Humanoid Robotics: The Laboratory for Intelligent Decision and Autonomous Robots (LIDAR) at Georgia Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the Emory Laboratory for Innovative Assay Development (ELIAD) at Emory University Hospital, invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. Supported by an NIH T32 training program, this role focuses on advancing humanoid robotic automation in clinical laboratory environments through cutting-edge research in robotics, AI, and human–robot collaboration.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Humanoid Robotics for Clinical Laboratory Automation (NIH T32)
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Postdoctoral Research Fellow |
| Employment | Full-time (1 year, extendable to 2 years) |
| Funding | NIH T32 Training Program |
| Institutions | Georgia Tech & Emory University Hospital |
| Supervisors | Prof. Ye Zhao (Georgia Tech), Prof. John Roback (Emory) |
| Start Date | Immediate (until filled) |
| Citizenship Requirement | U.S. Citizen / Permanent Resident only |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Area
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems
- Humanoid Robotics
- Reinforcement Learning & Imitation Learning
- Task and Motion Planning
- Human–Robot Teaming
- Clinical Laboratory Automation
Location
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA
(Joint appointment across both institutions)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in:
- Humanoid robotics
- Dexterous robotic manipulation
- Mandatory Eligibility Requirement (NIH T32):
- U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or lawful permanent resident at the time of appointment
Job Description
The postdoctoral fellow will work on both algorithmic and applied research to enable humanoid robots to autonomously operate within clinical laboratory environments.
Core Research Responsibilities
- Reinforcement learning and imitation learning for whole-body control and dexterous manipulation
- Autonomous navigation in complex clinical lab settings
- Vision–Language Model (VLM)-assisted humanoid learning and planning
- Tactile sensing for whole-body manipulation
- Long-horizon human–robot collaboration
Clinical Automation Tasks
The humanoid robotic systems will be developed and evaluated for tasks including:
- Specimen receiving, sorting, and rack loading
- Barcode scanning and tube identification
- Sample aliquoting and manual pipetting
- Reagent dispensing and consumable handling
- Loading/unloading centrifuges
- Operating vortex mixers, shakers, and incubators
- Loading samples into clinical analyzers (chemistry, hematology, immunoassay)
- Transporting samples and racks within the laboratory
- Biohazard waste and sharps disposal
- Routine laboratory logistics and technician assistance
Additional Expectations
- Conduct independent and collaborative research
- Publish in high-impact journals and conferences
- Contribute to funding proposal preparation
- Support technology transfer and commercialization when appropriate
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names of 2–3 professional references
📧 Send applications to:
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until the position is filled.
