The Optimizations and Intelligent Robotics team at MERL is seeking a highly motivated intern to conduct fundamental research on dexterous humanoid robot manipulation. The project covers multiple research topics including multi-finger dexterous manipulation, tactile/force-sensing, object handover, robot learning, contact modeling, and is targeting specific humanoid robot tasks.

Applicants must be Ph.D. students with a strong background in robot learning such as VLAs, diffusion and RL. The selected intern will collaborate closely with MERL researchers to design and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments, and disseminate research findings in one of the top-tier robotics conferences and patents. The internship duration and start date are flexible. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply with an updated CV and a list of relevant publications.

Required Specific Experience

Current enrollment in a Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on research experience with learning models for robotics (Diffusion, RL, imitation learning, VLAs etc)
Dexterous manipulation using humanoid hands or bimanual manipulation.
Contact-rich manipulation and force-controlled manipulation.
Experience with tactile or force/torque sensing
Robotic simulators (Isaac Lab, MuJoCo, Genesis, etc).
Programming skills in at least one common language (C++, Python, etc)
Strong publication record or demonstrated research potential in robotics, embodied AI, computer vision, or machine learning. Must have some publications in top robotic or AI conferences or journals (i.e., RSS, ICRA, IROS, T-RO, RA-L, NeurIPS, CoRL, ICML etc).

The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERL’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.

In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered “at-will,” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.

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