Overview

Adel Research Group (ARG) at Princeton University invites applications for a full-time Associate Professional Specialist to support the lab's operational and research activities. This position is designed for an experienced scholar who will play an active role in lab management, research coordination, grants, and public relations, while also contributing directly to ongoing and new research projects. The position will work closely with Dr. Arash Adel (Assistant Professor of Architecture; Core Faculty, Princeton Robotics; Associated Faculty, Computer Science) and include opportunities for collaboration across Princeton Robotics labs. Appointments are for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding.

About Us

ARG is an interdisciplinary laboratory for advanced research at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational design. We develop learning-enabled and perception-driven robotic systems that operate in complex, unstructured environments, with particular focus on: 1) Robot learning and embodied AI; 2) Multimodal perception and state estimation; 3) Closed-loop planning and control; and 4) End-to-end design-to-fabrication workflows. ARG's research has been supported by highly competitive grants, including a National Science Foundation's Future of Work at the Human-Technology Frontier grant.

Job Description

We seek an outstanding Associate Professional Specialist to join our team. In addition to conducting collaborative research, this role will help oversee day-to-day lab operations, support strategic planning, and coordinate activities across research, administration, and outreach.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Providing assistance in managing the lab's research operations, including coordination of postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, master's students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scholars

• Supporting the preparation, coordination, and submission of grant proposals, including assisting with technical narratives, budgets, timelines, and reporting

• Assisting with lab-level project management, including milestones, deliverables, and coordination across funded research projects

• Supporting public relations and outreach activities, including preparing research communications, coordinating exhibitions, and assisting with press and award submissions

• Contributing to research and disseminating results through top-tier conferences and journals (e.g., ICRA, CoRL, The International Journal of Robotics Research, Automation in Construction, Advanced Engineering Informatics).

• Assisting with the development of new research directions, collaborations, and partnerships

• Supporting the robotic fabrication and construction research agenda of the lab, including experimental design and implementation

Required qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a related field such as Architecture, Civil/Construction Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines

• Strong track record of peer-reviewed research and publications relevant to construction robotics or closely related fields

• Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating research projects, teams, or laboratories

• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and organizational skills

• Fluency in English

Desired qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting or leading grant writing and funded research projects

• Experience mentoring students and junior researchers

• Background in sensing technologies, computer vision, or perception

• Foundational knowledge of machine learning and data-driven methods

• Experience with robotic fabrication, custom tools, or end effector development

• Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS)

• Strong programming skills (Python required; C++ and/or C# desirable)

• Knowledge of Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, and RhinoCommon

• Professional experience in architecture, construction, or advanced fabrication

Applicants must apply online via the application portal and submit:

• Cover letter (summarizing research fit and interests)

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Three publication samples (conference and/or journal papers)

• Portfolio (optional; recommended for candidates with substantial design/fabrication work)

• Contact information for three references

We will review applications on a rolling basis, and the application portal will stay open until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit your application as soon as possible.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an Hâ‘1B visa requiring consular processing.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Arash Adel (arash.adel@princeton.edu). We look forward to receiving your application.