Research Assistant - Robotics Institute

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

4d

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute is searching for a Research Assistant to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. We are seeking creative and upbeat Research Assistant that will assist in the development and execution of research projects including experiment design, analysis of data collected and writing up experiment results. Responsibilities: Follows research plans in order to collect, record, and manipulate research data. Maintains accurate and detailed research records and files. Human Monitoring and Safety Evaluation - Develop algorithms for monitoring human actions during physical task execution using multimodal sensing (vision, pose estimation, and tactile signals). The candidate will implement predictive safety monitoring systems capable of estimating future consequences of human actions and identifying unsafe states using reachability analysis and safety certification methods. May test software prototypes. May interact with research subjects in order to perform job functions. Performs basic data analysis in order to product reports. Documents results and processes. Performs library research and field explorations. Physical Grounding and Scene Understanding - Build perception pipelines that connect visual and multimodal observations to structured representations of the physical environment. This includes object pose estimation, part segmentation, affordance recognition, and tracking human-object interactions to support task reasoning and safety monitoring. Physics-Grounded Simulation and Digital Twin Development - Develop high-fidelity physics simulation and digital twin models for mechatronic devices (e.g., drones and repairable systems). The candidate will construct simulation environments using modern physics engines and CAD models to reproduce device assembly, repair procedures, and failure modes. These simulations will support training, safety analysis, and evaluation of human actions in repair tasks. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School or GED
• 0-1 Years of Data Collection and Analysis Experience
• 0-1 Years of Data Entry Experience
• 0-1 Years of Record Management Experience
• 0-1 Years of Research Experience
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• OSHA Hazardous Materials Safety Training

Responsibilities

• Follows research plans in order to collect, record, and manipulate research data.
• Maintains accurate and detailed research records and files.
• Human Monitoring and Safety Evaluation - Develop algorithms for monitoring human actions during physical task execution using multimodal sensing (vision, pose estimation, and tactile signals).
• The candidate will implement predictive safety monitoring systems capable of estimating future consequences of human actions and identifying unsafe states using reachability analysis and safety certification methods.
• May test software prototypes.
• May interact with research subjects in order to perform job functions.
• Performs basic data analysis in order to product reports.
• Documents results and processes.
• Performs library research and field explorations.
• Physical Grounding and Scene Understanding - Build perception pipelines that connect visual and multimodal observations to structured representations of the physical environment.
• This includes object pose estimation, part segmentation, affordance recognition, and tracking human-object interactions to support task reasoning and safety monitoring.
• Physics-Grounded Simulation and Digital Twin Development - Develop high-fidelity physics simulation and digital twin models for mechatronic devices (e.g., drones and repairable systems).
• The candidate will construct simulation environments using modern physics engines and CAD models to reproduce device assembly, repair procedures, and failure modes.
• These simulations will support training, safety analysis, and evaluation of human actions in repair tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED