Draper Scholar

Draper • Cambridge, MA

2d

About The Position

The Draper Scholars Program gives post-graduate students the opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a university faculty advisor and a Draper technical staff supervisor on a topic of mutual interest. Scholars work with Draper technical staff to address real-world problems, develop technologies, and conduct research in Draper laboratories. Projects may range from theoretical work to prototype testing in fielded implementations. The program supports thesis-bearing technical master’s and PhD degree programs at participating universities.

Scholars receive professional development opportunities and may be paired with a mentor from the program’s alumni network. They are expected to develop and carry out a detailed research statement of work (SOW), complete research on schedule, and produce a university-approved thesis or thesis-equivalent work product within the program’s time constraints: two years for an MS and five years for a PhD. Scholars collaborate with their Draper Supervisor and Faculty Advisor, communicate regularly with their research team and the Draper Education Office, and are encouraged to publish research results and participate in program meetings and the annual Draper Research Symposium.

Participating universities are Boston University, Brown University, George Mason University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Purdue University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, Tufts University, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Michigan, University of South Florida, University of Utah, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Supported areas include aerospace engineering, bioengineering/biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering/electrical and computer engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, operations research, and physics; other programs may also be included.

Draper Scholars are not Draper employees. Draper states that it is committed to an inclusive environment and to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• At the start of the scholarship, be enrolled in a thesis-bearing research degree at a partner university and maintain good-standing student status in that degree program.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree at the time of matriculation.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with peers and senior management.
• Be willing to work with both the Draper Supervisor and university Faculty Advisor on a topic of mutual interest.
• Have skills commensurate with the thesis project and desired degree.
• Be enthusiastic about working in a team-oriented setting.

Nice To Haves

• Interest in publishing research results in technical conferences and journals.
• Interest in participating in professional development activities, Draper Scholar meetings, and the annual Draper Research Symposium.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical research aligned with a Draper Research Whitepaper and a topic of mutual interest to Draper and the partner university.
• Develop a detailed research statement of work (SOW) and conduct research in accordance with it and the program schedule.
• Complete a university-approved thesis or thesis-equivalent work product within the program time constraints.
• Participate as an active member of a collaborative research team with the Draper Supervisor and university Faculty Advisor.
• Communicate regularly with the research team about progress and challenges, and with the Draper Education Office about progress, status changes, and obstacles to program completion.
• Follow Draper Scholar Program policies and procedures.
• May participate in professional development activities in coordination with the Draper Supervisor and Faculty Advisor.
• Encouraged to publish research results in technical conferences and journals, participate in regular Draper Scholar meetings, and attend the annual Draper Research Symposium.

Benefits

• Structured professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to be paired with a mentor from the Draper Scholars Program alumni network.
• Access to Draper technical staff expertise, facilities, and resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level