Research Associate III - Robotics Institute

About the role

Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute is searching for a Research Associate III to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently design experiments and research protocols.
• Independently set up and perform sound experimental procedures.
• Collect, verify, and manage data.
• Develop data analysis methods and protocols.
• Suggest improvements in research methodology.
• Develop computational modeling methods.
• Manage IRB approval process and document IRB policies for assigned research projects.
• Perform lab management functions, including:
  • Adhere to established lab budget and provide input to budget planning.
  • Supervise purchasing and plan capital expenditures.
  • Establish and enforce safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure regulatory requirements are adhered to.
  • Establish policies and supervise the maintenance of administrative records.
  • Supervise lab employees, including assignment of day-to-day duties and assisting with hiring.
• Program software in support of job functions.
• Perform research on ML algorithms, focusing on LLMs/VLMs and RL.
• Perform complex and original data analysis to produce reports.
• Document and process research findings.
• Publish research in top-tier venues and give academic research presentations.
• Support the lab, including work on projects and mentoring and collaborating with other students.
• Write and edit recommendations and reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• 1-3 years of research experience.
• 1-3 years of research lab experience.
• 1-3 years of research methodology experience.
• 1-3 years of data collection and analysis experience.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• OSHA Hazardous Materials Safety Training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Position Type: Full-time, Staff – Fixed Term