Harvard currently has multiple open postdoctoral opportunities spanning embodied AI, soft robotics, assistive robotics, biomechanics and intelligent agents. The current Harvard Academic Positions portal includes openings in the Embodied Minds Lab, Wood Lab, Slade Lab and related robotics/AI groups.
Harvard Robotics and AI Postdoctoral Opportunities 2026
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences currently has a broad set of open postdoctoral searches in robotics, AI and adjacent engineering fields. The most relevant current positions include embodied intelligence, assistive robotics, soft robotics and generative AI for intelligent agents.
| Institution | Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Career stage | Postdoctoral / research fellow |
| Current salary range | $67,600–$91,826 for the highlighted postdoctoral listings |
| Application route | Harvard Academic Positions |
Current Robotics and AI Openings
| Embodied Minds Lab | Postdoctoral Fellow in Computer Science; generative AI, intelligent agents, planning, exploration, perception, physical reasoning and memory. Doctoral background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Wood Lab | Postdoctoral Fellow in Soft Robotics; embodied intelligence in soft and reconfigurable robots. Relevant doctoral training in engineering, bioengineering, biology, materials science or a related field. |
| Slade Lab | Postdoctoral Fellow in Biomechanics and Assistive Robotics; human movement biomechanics, wearable sensing and assistive technology. PhD in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. |
| Walsh / Biodesign Lab | Postdoctoral research in wearable technology, robotics, biomechanics, sensing and rehabilitation; role-specific engineering and human-movement expertise required. |
Who Should Apply?
These openings target researchers with completed doctoral training and strong technical depth in one or more of the following:
- robotics and autonomous systems;
- machine learning and generative AI;
- computer vision and perception;
- controls and reinforcement learning;
- biomechanics and wearable sensing;
- assistive technology and human-subject research;
- soft robotics and embodied intelligence; and
- computational modeling.
The Slade Lab posting also highlights coding, controls and AI/machine learning as useful background, while the Embodied Minds Lab emphasizes computational modeling and generative AI.
Application Documents
Current Harvard SEAS postings commonly request:
- academic CV;
- cover letter describing research interests and goals;
- representative publications;
- research statement where requested; and
- referee names or recommendation letters.
Requirements differ by lab. For example, the Soft Robotics position requires a CV, cover letter, one to two representative publications and three references, while the Embodied Minds Lab requires a CV and two to three recommendation letters.
How to Apply
- Open Harvard’s Academic Positions portal and search for current SEAS postdoctoral roles.
- Select the robotics, AI or biomechanics opportunity that best matches your expertise.
- Read the complete position description and basic qualifications.
- Prepare the exact required document package for that laboratory.
- Submit directly through Harvard Academic Positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Harvard currently have open robotics postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Harvard SEAS currently lists open postdoctoral roles in soft robotics, assistive robotics, biomechanics and related AI/robotics areas.
Is the original Robot Learning fellowship still the current application?
No. Applicants should use Harvard’s current Academic Positions listings because the earlier Robot Learning posting has been superseded by newer searches.
What salary range is listed?
The highlighted current postdoctoral positions list a salary range of $67,600 to $91,826, with final pay depending on experience, qualifications and accomplishments.
Can candidates apply by email?
Application method depends on the posting. The Soft Robotics role explicitly requires submission through Harvard’s Academic Positions website rather than email.
Official Sources and Application
| Status | Multiple open Harvard SEAS postdoctoral roles |
|---|---|
| Fields | Robotics, embodied AI, biomechanics, assistive technology |
| Last verified | 4 October 2026 |
