Internship - Robotic Disassembly

Summary

MERL is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. intern to conduct research in robotic disassembly. The project will focus on developing learning-based methods for dexterous manipulation, robot perception, and sim-to-real deployment, including tasks such as small-object manipulation and handover. The selected intern will collaborate closely with MERL researchers to develop and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments on robotic platforms, and publish research findings at top-tier robotics and AI conferences. The internship start date and duration are flexible.

Job description

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a Ph.D. program
• Research experience in robot learning, manipulation and perception
• Experience with robot simulation and sim-to-real transfer using platforms such as Isaac Lab, MuJoCo or Genesis
• Strong programming skills in Python or C++
• Demonstrated research potential and publications in leading robotics, computer vision, or machine learning venues

Benefits

• Relocation stipend
• Covered travel to and from MERL
• Monthly Charlie Card
• Weekly social gatherings
• Professional development opportunities
• Health insurance coverage

Company overview

Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.