The Innovative Robotics and Interactive Systems (IRIS) Lab (https://irislab.nd.edu/) at Notre Dame seeks applications for a postdoctoral position in the area of sensing and control of soft growing vine-inspired robots for urban search and rescue applications. This project is funded by and conducted in collaboration with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. See this video (https://youtu.be/DaMCTH4qZTE-si=tRXwWLBd2Kih4Bdr) for an overview of the project. The IRIS Lab is associated with the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (https://ame.nd.edu/) and the Robotics group (https://robotics.nd.edu/) at Notre Dame.
What we offer:
- Support and mentorship for professional development tailored to individual goals
- Regular interactions with colleagues and visiting speakers in robotics
- Vibrant university community in a city with affordable cost of living
What we're looking for:
- Interest in contributing to high-quality publications and field demonstrations of novel soft/continuum robot sensing and control strategies based on acoustic sensors, inertial measurement units, and visual cameras, ideally with background in one or more of those areas
- Motivation to be the primary driver on a project
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Enthusiasm for your own professional development and that of graduate/undergraduate students
Start date is flexible, available as soon as March 2026 and preferred by Summer 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
For additional information:
Dr. Margaret (Coad) McGuinness (mmcguinness@nd.edu)
Minimum Qualifications: Postdoctoral applicants should have a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, robotics, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications: The ideal applicant will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a high level of initiative.
Candidates with a background in soft/continuum robot sensing and control, and/or proficiency in ROS, Python, C++, MATLAB, and Arduino are preferred.
Please include:
- Cover letter indicating your experiences and interests relevant to the proposed project
- Curriculum Vitae
- One peer-reviewed publication (Please choose the one most relevant to this position, or the one you feel best represents the quality of your work and writing. In the cover letter, please identify what part(s) of the paper you were responsible for.)
- Names and email addresses of three professional references
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.
Background Check
This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597
