Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number PG191764PD

Position Number 00112281

Position Type Post Doc

FLSA Exempt

Departmental Information

Department ID 140201 - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Department 140201 - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Job City & State Raleigh, North Carolina

Position Information

Position Overview

Essential Job Duties

The Abolhasani Research Group in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to develop artificial intelligence and machine learning methods for autonomous scientific experimentation as part of the NSF -funded SPEED Programmable Cloud Laboratory.

The successful candidate will develop AI/ML methodologies that enable autonomous laboratories to learn from experimental data, select informative experiments, optimize complex chemical and materials systems, and generate transferable scientific knowledge. Research topics may include Bayesian optimization, active learning, uncertainty quantification, representation learning, multimodal scientific data, surrogate modeling, sequential decision-making, and AI-driven experimental design.

A major emphasis will be translating AI/ML methodology into algorithms that operate directly with automated experimental platforms and real-world experimental data.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Develop AI/ML algorithms for autonomous experimental design and optimization.
• Develop surrogate models and uncertainty-aware approaches for learning from sparse and heterogeneous experimental datasets.
• Develop chemical and materials representations suitable for closed-loop experimental optimization.
• Implement Bayesian optimization, active learning, and related sequential experimental-design methods.
• Develop methods for incorporating prior knowledge and historical experimental datasets into experimental decision-making.
• Integrate AI/ML algorithms with SPEED automated experimental platforms.
• Analyze multimodal experimental datasets and identify scientifically meaningful structure-property-processing relationships.
• Evaluate algorithm performance using both benchmark datasets and physical experimental campaigns.
• Develop reusable software modules and documented computational workflows.
• Collaborate closely with experimental scientists, automation engineers, and SPEED users.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, presentations, technical reports, and research proposals.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Department Required Skills

• Demonstrated research experience in machine learning, statistical modeling, computational science, data-driven modeling, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Experience in Bayesian optimization, active learning, representation learning, uncertainty quantification, scientific machine learning, multimodal data, graph neural networks, sequential decision-making, or generative methods is preferred.
• Experience applying AI/ML to chemistry, materials science, or physical experimental systems is particularly desirable.

Required License Or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required? No

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range $61,000-$64,000

If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 08/31/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/234441

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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