Robotics and AI Institute

Conducts fundamental AI and robotics research

Applied Scientist - Learning-Based Navigation and Locomotion

Robotics & Autonomous SystemsPosted on Nov 10

Full-timeZürich, SwitzerlandNo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

An MS or PhD in robotics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
At least 2 years of research and development experience.
Technical proficiency in reinforcement learning, control, robotics, or imitation learning.
Practical experience with sim-to-real for robotic hardware, specifically legged robots or highly dynamic mobile vehicles.
Experience with perception-based control.
Advanced programming skills in Python or C++.
Expertise with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and robotic simulation.

Responsibilities

Conduct hands-on research and development in learning-based navigation or locomotion, specifically end-to-end control methods from sensor data.
Develop technology for robots to advance their capabilities and usefulness.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of Model Predictive Control.
Knowledge of robot perception.
Experience combining model-based and data-driven approaches.
Experience working with Isaac Lab.
Experience working with ROS or ROS 2.
Experience with Docker, cloud computing, or similar applications.
Experience with parallel programming, such as CUDA.
A proven track record in top-tier conferences and journals in machine learning, robotics, control, or related fields.

Our Mission

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

We aim to advance the mobility and autonomy of mobile robots to new heights by leveraging simulation based methods like Reinforcement Learning, augmenting them with model information.

Reinforcement Learning Applied Scientist will have proven hands-on research or industry experience focusing on one or more of these key areas: Learning-based navigation or locomotion, specifically end-to-end control methods from sensor data. Having practical hardware experience is essential for this role. If you are passionate about developing technology for robots and using it to advance their capabilities and usefulness, this team will be a great fit for you!

What you'll need

MS/PhD or equivalent industry experience in robotics, computer science, or related fields

2+ years of experience in research and development

Ability to demonstrate technical proficiency in Reinforcement Learning, Control, Robotics, or Imitation Learning

Experience with sim-to-real for robotic hardware specifically legged robots or highly dynamic mobile vehicles.

Experience in working with perception-based control

Advanced programming skills in Python or C++

Expertise with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and robotic simulation

Bonus

Experience in any of the following is a plus; none is required.

Knowledge of Model Predictive Control

Knowledge in robot perception

Experience in combining model-based and data-driven approaches

Experience in working with Isaac-Lab

Experience in working with ROS or ROS2

Experience with Docker, cloud computing, or similar applications

Experience with parallel programming (e.g., CUDA)

Proven track record in top-tier conferences and journals in Machine Learning, Robotics, Control, or related fields

These attributes are great to have but not required. Candidates who lack these should not be discouraged from applying.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About the Company

Robotics and AI Institute

Conducts fundamental AI and robotics research

The Boston Dynamics AI Institute conducts long-term AI and robotics research to advance fundamental science behind intelligent machines. Its “products” are new algorithms, models, and hardware concepts developed through reinforcement learning and sim-to-real methods, tested in simulation and on robots like Atlas. It differs from competitors by blending university-style openness with corporate-scale funding and pursuing foundational scientific goals under leaders like Marc Raibert and partnerships with Hyundai Motor Group and Boston Dynamics. Its goal is to push the science of agile, safe robots that can assist people, boost industrial productivity, and help those with disabilities.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Growth Equity (Non-Venture Capital)
Total funding: $400M
Headquarters: Cambridge, MA
Founded: 2022

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at Robotics and AI Institute

See more jobs