Research/Applied Scientist - Manipulation Skill Composition

AnaVation LLC; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A robotics and AI company in Cambridge is seeking an Applied Scientist / Research Scientist to develop algorithms for robust manipulation tasks. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a relevant field and has strong expertise in machine learning and robotics. Responsibilities include researching and validating new models, collaborating with teams, and driving innovation in robotic systems. This role offers an opportunity to significantly contribute to the future of intelligent machines.

Qualifications

• 7 Years in Research and Development.
• Expertise in machine learning for control, imitation learning, and/or reinforcement learning.
• Experience with robot manipulation, motion planning, and perception systems.

Responsibilities

• Researching new algorithms and models for skill learning.
• Developing and validating algorithms for real-world deployment.
• Collaborating across hardware, software, and research teams.

Skills

Machine learning for control

Imitation learning

Reinforcement learning

Robot manipulation

Motion planning

Perception systems

Python

C++

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering, or related field

Master’s degree with several years of industry or applied research experience

Bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant hands-on industry experience

Job description

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

Team Overview

Robots need to make significant progress in manipulation performance and capabilities before they become commonplace in our lives. The Manipulation team is developing robot mechanisms and behaviors that enable smooth, efficient execution of manipulation tasks. Our goal is for robots to operate with human-like cadence and versatility, with enough generalization to perform multiple tasks within the same domain in any appropriate environment.

Our Research Spans

• Improving hardware for high-speed, high-strength, and dexterous manipulation, including underactuated manipulators
• Using learning methods to develop robust capabilities for novel environments
• Developing parameterized skills and chaining them into long-horizon behaviors
• Applying robust strategies for failure recovery in manipulation tasks

Role Overview

We seek an Applied Scientist / Research Scientist to advance the state of the art in long-horizon, robust, dexterous manipulation learned from few demonstrations. The role involves researching, developing, and validating new algorithms and models for skill learning, composition, and real-world deployment. You will collaborate across hardware, software, and research teams to integrate and test these capabilities in physical robotic systems.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering, or related field
• Master’s degree with several years of industry or applied research experience
• Bachelor’s degree with significant and relevant hands-on industry experience
• 7 Years in Research and Development
• Expertise in machine learning for control, imitation learning, and/or reinforcement learning
• Experience with robot manipulation, motion planning, and perception systems
• Proficiency in Python and C++

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications in top-tier robotics or AI venues
• Experience deploying algorithms on real robotic platforms
• Knowledge of dexterous manipulation, task and motion planning, behavior abstractions, skill completion prediction, failure detection and recovery, and/or using machine learning models for long-horizon skill chaining.
• Ability to solve problems rapidly in hands-on, real-world scenarios

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.