Internship Openings

MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to work on operational technology security. The ideal candidate would have significant research experience in cybersecurity for operational technology, anomaly detection, robust machine learning, and defenses against adversarial examples. A mature understanding of modern machine learning methods, proficiency with Python, and familiarity with deep learning frameworks are expected. Candidates at or beyond the middle of their Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. The expected duration is 3 months with flexible start dates.

MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified individual to work on tailored computational algorithms for optimization-based motion planning and predictive control applications in autonomous systems (vehicles, mobile robots). The ideal candidate should have experience in either one or multiple of the following topics: convex and non-convex optimization, stochastic predictive control (e.g., scenario trees), interaction-aware motion planning, machine learning, learning-based model predictive control, mathematical programs with complementarity constraints (MPCCs), optimal control, and real-time optimization. PhD students in engineering or mathematics, especially with a focus on research related to any of the above topics are encouraged to apply. Publication of relevant results in conference proceedings or journals is expected. Capability of implementing the designs and algorithms in MATLAB/Python is required; coding parts of the algorithms in C/C++ is a plus. The expected duration of the internship is 3 months, and the start date is flexible.

MERL is looking for a highly motivated individual to work on robotic manipulation using visuo-tactile learning. The research will develop robot motor skills for complex, dexterous manipulation using vision and tactile perception. The ideal candidate should have experience in either one or multiple of the following topics: manipulation, tactile sensing, Reinforcement Learning, sim-to-real techniques for manipulation, and grasping. Senior PhD students in robotics and engineering with a focus on contact-rich manipulation are encouraged to apply. Prior experience working with physical robotic systems (and vision and tactile sensors) is required as results need to be implemented on a physical hardware. Good coding skills in Python ML libraries like PyTorch etc. is required. A successful internship will result in submission of results to a peer-reviewed robotics journal in collaboration with MERL researchers. The expected duration of internship is 4-5 months with start date in Aug/Sept 2024. This internship is preferred to be onsite at MERL.