Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Title
Postdoctoral Researcher

Agency
Texas A&M Engineering

Department
Materials Science & Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
College Station, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering?

Who we are:

Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society.

As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges.

We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service.

Job Description

Purpose:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design and build the automation system for the Autonomous Robotic Metallurgist (ARM), an NSF Materials Innovation Platform at Texas A&M University. ARM is a closed-loop, AI-driven laboratory for alloy discovery that links automated synthesis, thermo-mechanical processing, characterization, and mechanical testing. A campaign layer, driven by Bayesian optimization, decides which experiment to run next. The postdoc will own the system architecture below that layer: the PLC and instrument control, the software that coordinates the stations, and the connection to the campaign logic that plans experiments and consumes their results. The postdoc will work closely with the engineers designing ARM's automated arc melting, rolling, and testing stations, and will be involved in these systems from design through commissioning. We are looking for a robotics, mechatronics, or controls researcher with demonstrated experience in automation, system integration, and PLC programming. Experience with AI/ML-based control is a strong plus. No prior background in metallurgy is required. The appointment is for one year, with renewal contingent on performance and funding.

Responsibilities:

• Design the architecture of the automation system, including the control layers, the communication between instruments, and the interface to the campaign logic.
• Work with the equipment designers to define control, sensing, and safety requirements for the arc melting, rolling, and testing stations while they are being built.
• Develop the software layer that turns experimental plans from the Bayesian optimization engine into coordinated instrument actions, tracks their execution, and returns structured results and status.
• Define the interfaces (APIs, message schemas, data formats) through which the campaign logic requests experiments, monitors progress, and handles failed or partial runs.
• Develop and maintain the PLC programs and HMIs that sequence and control the arc melting, hot rolling, and mechanical testing equipment, including I/O, sensor feedback, and data capture.
• Connect the PLC layer to the higher-level Python control software through industrial communication protocols.
• Design and commission robotic sample transfer between processing, characterization, and testing stations.
• Develop and test AI/ML-based methods for control, scheduling, and error recovery, including vision-based monitoring where useful.
• Design safety interlocks, fault detection, and fail-safe routines for unattended operation of high-temperature and high-force equipment.
• Plan staged commissioning, moving each station from operator-approved execution to full closed-loop operation, and test automation sequences in simulation with ARM's digital-twin team before running them on hardware.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to proposals and sponsor reports.

What we need:

• Doctoral degree

What is helpful:

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (for example, mechanical, computer, or controls engineering), conferred by the start date
• Demonstrated experience designing and integrating automated systems that combine hardware, sensors, and control software, shown through publications, deployed systems, or code
• Hands-on experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent) in IEC 61131-3 languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagram, and developing HMIs
• Experience interfacing software with physical equipment through industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, or PROFINET), motion controllers, data acquisition systems, or robot controllers
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control and system integration
• A record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with AI/ML-based control, such as reinforcement learning, learned or model-predictive control, or vision-guided manipulation
• Experience building autonomous (self-driving) laboratories or integrating instruments with Bayesian optimization or other decision-making algorithms
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and with robot arms (UR, FANUC, or similar)
• Experience with safety PLCs and functional safety practice (e.g., IEC 61508 or ISO 13849)
• Experience with digital twins or simulation-based testing of automation sequences
• Experience with computer vision for inspection, sample identification, or quality control
• Experience working with high-temperature or high-force equipment (furnaces, rolling mills, mechanical test frames)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong software engineering skills in Python, including version control, testing, and documentation
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
• Understanding of feedback control, state machines, sequential logic, and fault handling in automated systems
• Ability to specify, wire, and commission PLC hardware, I/O modules, sensors, and actuators
• Ability to design APIs, message interfaces, and data pipelines that connect hardware to optimization and decision-making software
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and software components
• Ability to work independently, set research direction, and communicate results in writing and in talks.

Work Location:

• Main Campus - College Station, TX.

About Materials Science and Engineering

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering's mission is to educate global leaders in materials science and engineering; perform research to address materials challenges of the 21st century; impact society, industry, national security, and the environment and attract the best minds and develop them into the leaders of tomorrow. Despite being one of the youngest departments in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University, it is one of the largest materials science and engineering departments in the country. Our goal is to be the largest one while providing excellent education to the students.

Texas A&M Engineering provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive medical insurance benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Prescription coverage by Express Scripts.
• Options for Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• A defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Generous paid time off with holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance and Educational release time to further your academic pursuits.
• Access to Engineer Your Wellness programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.
• Wellness release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.

Helpful Applicant Information

Required Materials for Application:

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor/former supervisor.
• Letter of interest (dependent upon position)

Applications received by Texas A&M Engineering must have all required job application data entered.

Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Compensation Philosophy:

• Recruit and retain high-performing workforce through competitive compensation and career development including career pathing, coaching and skills development.
• Offer total rewards, flexible benefits, professional development, performance recognition and work-life balance.
• Ensure resources are readily available and utilized to attract and retain the highest quality researchers, faculty, and staff.

Employment Eligibility Verification

• If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present original and unexpired documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in delay of start date.
  

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.