PostDoctoral Associate

About the role

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate to join the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering & Applied Science. The position is part of the Decision Science and Control Lab and focuses on research in game-theoretic and algorithmic methods for multiagent optimization problems.

Responsibilities

• (45%) Research Design, Analysis, and Execution
• Develop graph-theoretic analytics to characterize how connectivity among agents influences emergent performance in multiagent optimization problems.
• Design algorithms to robustly mitigate the harm caused by unplanned communication or observation breakdown among agents in multiagent optimization problems.
• Situate multiagent optimization problems in adversarial contexts to identify strategic weaknesses and evaluate system vulnerabilities.
• Apply game theory, algorithm design, control theory, and multiagent systems methods to advance the research objectives of the Decision Science and Control Lab.
• Exercise independent judgment, creativity, and analytical reasoning to navigate unfamiliar problem spaces and develop technically rigorous solutions.
• (25%) Game-Theoretic Modeling and Algorithm Development
• Develop novel beyond-worst-case approaches for assessing the effectiveness of game-theoretic solutions.
• Analyze strategic interactions among agents in networked systems and evaluate how utility design, equilibrium behavior, and network structure affect system outcomes.
• Interpret research results and use findings to inform algorithmic design, theoretical analysis, and future research directions.
• (15%) Scholarly Communication and Dissemination
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, and other research outputs for academic and professional audiences.
• Communicate research findings clearly through written and oral presentations.
• Contribute to publication efforts in relevant venues in computer science, game theory, control theory, algorithms, and related fields.
• Engage with collaborators and research stakeholders to share progress, incorporate feedback, and advance project goals.
• (10%) Collaboration and Student Mentoring
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, students, and other research team members on project planning, technical development, and research execution.
• Provide ad hoc research mentoring to students involved in the project, including guidance on problem formulation, technical methods, writing, and presentation preparation.
• (5%) Project Support
• Track research progress, organize project materials, and support documentation of research activities and deliverables.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to planning discussions related to research milestones and outputs.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the research project and the mission of the Decision Science and Control Lab.

Requirements

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field, with a focus on game theory.
• Research experience and a publication record in game theory, control theory, algorithms, multiagent systems, or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern game-theoretic utility design techniques.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring students or supporting student research.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical research findings clearly to academic and professional audiences.

Benefits

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off
• Road Robust Health Coverage
• Financial & Retirement Benefits
• Wellness & More

Pay

$63,000 - $69,000 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time

Contact

To be considered for this role, you must possess the following:

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field, with a focus on game theory.
• Research experience and a publication record in game theory, control theory, algorithms, multiagent systems, or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern game-theoretic utility design techniques.