Postdoctoral Position in Humanoid Robotics, Reinforcement Learning, and Clinical Lab Automation

The Laboratory for Intelligent Decision and Autonomous Robots (LIDAR) at Georgia Institute of Technology, led by Associate Professor Ye Zhao, in collaboration with the Emory Laboratory for Innovative Assay Development (ELIAD) at Emory University Hospital, led by Professor John Roback, is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position. This opportunity is supported by an NIH T32 training program and focuses on advancing clinical lab automation using humanoid robots. The research areas include humanoid robotics, reinforcement learning, task and motion planning, imitation learning, autonomous navigation, tactile sensing, and long-horizon human–robot collaboration. The successful candidate will work on both algorithmic and applied problems, such as whole-body control, dexterous manipulation, VLM-assisted humanoid learning, and planning in clinical lab environments. Specific tasks involve specimen handling, barcode scanning, sample aliquoting, reagent dispensing, operating lab equipment, and supporting routine lab logistics. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. U.S. citizenship, non-citizen national status, or lawful permanent residency is required. Prior experience in humanoid robotics and/or dexterous robotic manipulation is strongly preferred. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to conduct independent and collaborative research, publish in high-impact journals and conferences, contribute to funding proposals, and assist with technology transfer and commercialization efforts. This is a full-time, 1-year position with the possibility of extension to a second year. The position is based at Georgia Tech and Emory University Hospital. The application review process begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send their CV and 2-3 reference names to [email protected] and [email protected].