Postdoctoral Fellowship in Autonomous Driving Systems

Position Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the American University of Sharjah invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship focused on autonomous driving systems and artificial intelligence. This fellowship is part of a funded research project centered on lane-changing maneuvers in autonomous vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to develop and evaluate hybrid trajectory prediction algorithms and high-level decision-making models.
• Design and deploy advanced AI, machine learning, and reinforcement learning solutions for real-time prediction of driving behaviors and maneuver planning.
• Integrate models within simulation platforms such as CARLA and SUMO, and validate them on real autonomous vehicles.
• Publish findings in reputable journals and deliver presentations at premier conferences.
• Supervise and collaborate effectively with graduate research assistants and students.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related discipline.
• Degree awarded in 2020 or later from an accredited university.
• Strong publication record encompassing autonomous vehicles, trajectory prediction, decision-making processes, reinforcement learning, or estimation theory.

Preferred Qualifications and Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of autonomous navigation components including sensing, perception and localization, planning, and control.
• Demonstrated experience designing decision-making frameworks for autonomous vehicles or terrestrial robots.
• Expertise in decision-making paradigms such as utility-based, rule-based, probabilistic, optimization, statistical learning, and reinforcement learning approaches.
• Proficiency with behavior trees, state machines, and planning frameworks.
• Advanced programming skills in MATLAB, C++, and Python, alongside strong debugging and profiling capabilities.
• Hands-on experience with ROS2, Docker, Git, and Linux-based field robotics development.
• Solid understanding of software design patterns and scalable software architecture principles.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, capable of functioning in ambiguous and dynamic environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities within multidisciplinary groups.
• Experience validating robotic systems both in simulated settings and real operational environments.
• Familiarity with mobile robots such as the Robotnik RB-Car is advantageous.

Application Process

• Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the designated application form; the position remains open until filled.
• Alumni of the university are especially welcome to submit applications.
• Applicants not meeting the stated qualifications will not be shortlisted; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• The university is committed to equal employment opportunity, making hiring decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or marital status, focusing solely on qualifications.