Postdoctoral Associate - Machine Spatial Reasoning - SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Location: Utica, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Mon Dec 15 2025 Job Description:

Position Overview / Introduction to Lab / Center / PI

Job Title: Postdoctoral Associate - Machine Spatial Reasoning

Office/Location: SUNY Polytechnic Institute

The Center for Safe and Secure AI Robotics is looking to hire a post-doctoral associate to carry out research on machine spatial reasoning. The appointment is for one year, renewable for a second year, given the availability of funds. The focus is on developing tools for characterizing the spatial reasoning capabilities of multi-mode large language models and hybrid AI systems combining artificial neural networks with symbolic AI. In-house research and development of one of these systems, fined tuned for zooming in on machine spatial reasoning, is within the scope of this project. Developing efficient algorithms for converting computer simulations of a system in a complex environment (e.g., robotic simulations) into the would-be sensor inputs of the simulated system is within the scope of this project.

The successful candidate will join a multi-institution research team of faculty at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, consisting of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians. The position is based in Utica, NY. The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, applied physics, computer science, or a related field. Required skills include an advanced command of Python. Mastery of a language in the C family is a plus. Some familiarity with programming of hybrid AI systems (symbolic AI + neural networks) is a plus. Experience with spatial sensing methods and technologies and/or some aspect of machine spatial awareness (for example, robotic path planning) is a plus.

The position is based in Utica, NY.

Job Responsibilities

• Actively seeking, reading, and discussing the research literature relevant to the project or projects weekly
• Identify and/or develop hypotheses and methods for advancing the research effort
• Design and carry out computer experiments on deep learning and related robotic simulations
• Collaborate with other engineers to create prototypes of embodied AI that test the outcomes of this research
• Write STEM papers for peer-reviewed journals and conference proceeding
• Research projects initiated by the postdoc and approved by the PI
• Work on writing grant proposals
• Other Duties as assigned

The successful applicant is welcome and encouraged to propose to the PI a project of their own for part-time research and development when the demands of other grant-funded projects allow for it

This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check; this position may require annual checks.

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

Job Requirements:

Minimal Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in computer science or a related field (e.g., engineering, applied mathematics, statistics) awarded within the past 5 years.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience in machine learning, foundation models, and AI techniques. Specifically, includes working with large language models, quantizing model parameter weights, utilizing parameter sparsity for pruning, and distilling smaller language models from LLMs.
• Demonstrated publication record in the machine learning and AI field.
• Excellent programming and computer science skills.

Preferred Qualification:

• Doctoral degree in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, applied mathematics or related fields from college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

Research Foundation for SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, creed, religion, color, citizenship, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, gender identification or expression, genetic information, familial status, marital status, pregnancy, status as a domestic violence victim, criminal conviction, disability, military status, disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces Service Medal veteran, active duty or wartime campaign badge veteran, or other characteristic as protected by law. Please feel free to review your equal employment opportunities protections and laws pertaining to these protections at http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Research Foundation employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by the Research Foundation. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486-1-border/@@images/file