Two Postdoctoral Positions in Robot Learning and Embodied AI

pbAI4I — Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Turin /b /ppbLocation /b /ppbDuration /b /pp2 years, renewable /ppPreferred November 2026; flexible /ppbCompensation /b /pp(Researchers relocating from abroad may be eligible for tax exemptions of up to 90%. (link)) /ppbDeadline /b /ppSeptember 30, 2026 — applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled /ppThe Machine Intelligence for Robot Autonomy (MIRA) Laboratory at the Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence (AI4I), is seeking btwo Postdoctoral Researchers in Robot Learning and Embodied AI /b. /ppOur goal at MIRA is to develop the algorithmic foundations and system-level methodologies that enable AI-powered autonomous systems to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably in high-stakes environments. Our work addresses these challenges by employing and advancing techniques from AI/ML, statistical learning, control theory, and mathematical optimization, and we apply the results to aerospace robotics, future mobility systems, and autonomy at large. /ppUltimately, the goal of our lab is to push the boundaries of autonomy in high-stakes, safety-critical domains. These environments force existing methods to operate at the edge of what is currently possible, accelerating the next generation of autonomous systems: “a wind tunnel for Physical AI”. /ppWe are looking for researchers who want to tackle ambitious problems in AI and autonomy, with strong technical foundations, clear scientific taste, and the ambition to define and lead new research directions. /ppbResearch /b /ppSuccessful Candidates Will Have The Freedom And Support To Shape Their Research Agenda Within The Broader Scientific Direction Of MIRA. Topics Of Interest Include /pulliFoundation models for autonomy, including LLMs, VLMs, and VLAs /liliReinforcement Learning and Imitation Learning /liliPhysical AI safety /liliContinual learning, generalization under distribution shift, and real-time adaptation /liliIntegration of learning with optimal control and model-based methods /liliDecision-making for large-scale, coordinated, multi-agent autonomous systems /li /ulpWe are especially interested in research that moves beyond isolated capabilities toward integrated robot autonomy that operates robustly beyond tightly controlled demonstrations. /ppbResearch environment /b /ppMIRA is part of AI4I, a national research institute dedicated to foundational and applied research in artificial intelligence. The lab is being built now, and the researchers who join at this stage will shape its research agenda, its experimental infrastructure, and its scientific culture. /ppPostdoctoral researchers will be encouraged to lead ambitious projects, publish at top international venues, build and test methods on real robotic systems, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the scientific direction of the laboratory. /ppMIRA is proud to maintain active collaborations with frontier research labs and institutions, including Stanford University, MIT, ETH Zurich, DTU, TUM, NASA, ESA, and others. Depending on the candidate's research program, opportunities may include research visits and extended scientific exchanges. The working language of the lab is English. /ppbWho We Are Looking For /b /pulliApplicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer vision, machine learning, control, or a related field /liliA strong publication record at top AI and robotics venues (NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, ICRA, IROS, RSS, CVPR, CoRL, L4DC, and similar) /liliResearch depth in one or more of the areas listed above /liliStrong programming skills in Python and fluency with modern deep learning frameworks /liliExperience with physical robotic systems and autonomy software, including ROS or ROS 2, are highly valued /li /ulpCandidates are not expected to cover every area. Depth, originality, motivation, and the ability to pursue important research questions matter more than matching a checklist of techniques. /ppbWhat We Offer /b /pulliAn ambitious, dynamic research environment. MIRA is a new laboratory inside a national AI institute, and researchers joining at this stage will help shape its research agenda, its experimental capabilities, and its scientific culture. Substantial intellectual freedom, and the opportunity to work on real-world applications /liliCompute and experimental facilities. Researchers have access to Peano, AI4I's AI Foundry: 148 NVIDIA GPUs across H200 and B200 architectures. Peano entered the TOP500 ranking of the world's most powerful supercomputers in June 2026 at #315 and placed #101 on the HPCG list. Researchers will also have access to MIRA’s tailored computational and experimental facilities /liliInternational collaboration. Active ties with frontier research labs and institutions, with opportunities for research visits and extended scientific exchanges depending on the candidate's research program. /liliLeadership and mentoring. Opportunities to develop as an independent researcher through co-supervision of PhD students, involvement in grant and proposal writing, and a direct role in the scientific direction of a growing laboratory /liliCompetitive compensation and support for professional development and mobility. Support for conference participation, travel, and visits to collaborating institutions /li /ulpbHow To Apply /b /ppPlease submit the following documents in a single PDF: /pulliA CV, including a complete publication list /lili2 selected publications /liliA research statement (1-2 pages) describing previous work, current interests, and research directions you would pursue at MIRA /liliLink to GitHub or personal webpage (if available) /liliThe names and contact information of two references /li /ulpApplications are evaluated on research quality, originality, technical depth, and alignment with the scientific interests of MIRA. /ppWe welcome applications from researchers who want to ask ambitious questions and help shape the next generation of autonomous systems. /ppWhile we strive to provide individualized feedback whenever possible, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. /ppbAbout Us /b /ppThe Italian Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI4I) was founded as a research institute to perform transformative, application-oriented research in Artificial Intelligence, driving innovation and industrial progress. The Institute is designed to engage and empower gifted, entrepreneurial, and ambitious researchers who are committed to generating real-world impact at the intersection of science, technology, and industrial transformation. /ppCompetitive salaries, performance-based incentives, access to dedicated high-performance computing resources, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong industrial collaborations are among the distinctive features that define AI4I. The Institute fosters a dynamic international environment and an ecosystem that supports the creation and growth of innovative startups. /ppAI4I’s mission is to advance scientific research, technology transfer, and, more broadly, Italy’s innovation capacity, promoting positive impact across industry, services, and public administration. To achieve this, the Institute contributes to building a research and innovation infrastructure that leverages AI methods, with a special focus on manufacturing processes and the broader Industry 4.0 value chain. /ppAI4I also maintains strategic relationships with leading organizations in Italy and abroad, including Competence Centers and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), positioning itself as an attractive destination for researchers, companies, and startups seeking collaboration and impact. /ppAI4I is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. /p #J-18808-Ljbffr