Postdoctoral researcher

Project
PREP0004857

To support the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Measurement Science for
Manufacturing Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MSRAS) Program. The focus of this role is
to advance standard test methods, metrics, and evaluation tools for artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and advanced autonomy within human-robot environments, ensuring these
systems operate with transparent, verifiable, and securely integrated decision-making
frameworks.

Performance Evaluation of AI Capabilities in Autonomous and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Systems

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Information and Computer Science, Modeling and
    Simulation Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field.
  • Experience in: Deep learning models, large language models (LLMs), unsupervised
    clustering, autoencoders, probabilistic programming, AI planning tools, human-robot
    interaction, activity/intent recognition, path planning algorithms, state estimation,
    algorithmic auditing, explainable AI frameworks, usability studies, human-in-the-loop
    validation, risk-aware system design, 3D rendering, discrete event simulation, motion
    capture data integration, and inertial navigation system architectures.
  • Proficiency in: Python, C/C++, Java, MATLAB, exposure to functional or specialized
    languages (e.g., Common Lisp), PyTorch, TensorFlow, ROS, OpenGL, probabilistic
    graphical libraries, LaTeX, 3D CAD modeling, 3D Printing workflow management, and
    modern developer tooling.
Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Conducting state-of-the-art measurement science research in robotics, advanced
    autonomy, and artificial intelligence systems.
  • Utilizing deep learning, large language models (LLMs), reinforcement learning, and
    unsupervised machine learning techniques to enhance robot capabilities, human
    objective prediction, and decision-making architectures.
  • Developing verification methods, transparent evaluation frameworks, and performance
    metrics to ensure robotic AI systems and automated sorting or ranking methodologies
    are inspectable and risk-aware.
  • Implementing advanced filtering techniques and symbolic spatial relation models to
    optimize tracking, navigation, and behavioral classification in highly dynamic
    environments.
  • Programming, simulating, and validating physical and simulated autonomous systems
    using a variety of modern software, libraries, and probabilistic frameworks.
  • Helping develop standards, benchmark scenarios, and performance metrics for human-
    robot interaction (HRI), autonomous systems, and cooperative robotics integrated into
    complex environments.
  • Developing test apparatuses, digital twins, and virtual/physical testbeds using 3D
    rendering, CAD, and sensor fusion tools to validate repeatability and reproducibility.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to design and optimize systems while
    publishing peer-reviewed research results in high-impact journals and international
    conferences.
NIST Sponsor
Prem Rachakonda
Group
Sensing and Perception Systems Group
Salary / Hourly Rate {Min}
$102,500.00
Schedule of Appointment
Full time
Start Date
Sponsor email
prem.rachakonda@nist.gov
Work Location
Onsite NIST (Gaithersburg, MD)
Salary / Hourly rate {Max}
$105,000.00
Total Hours per week
40
End Date
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