Research Assistant - Human Robot Interaction

Wealth Recruitment • Cambridge, MA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant will join the Human Aware Interaction Learning (HAIL) team to support research advancing human-robot interaction in real-world environments. The role combines human-subject research, hands-on robotics, experimental design, participant engagement, and data analysis. The assistant will work with research participants and robotic systems, including mobile robots, robotic arms, and quadruped robots, in office, laboratory, and field environments.

Responsibilities include preparing and executing in-person studies; coordinating schedules, recruitment, materials, and logistics; developing protocols and study materials; setting up and operating robots; troubleshooting equipment during experiments; guiding participants through studies; collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data; conducting literature reviews; and maintaining accurate research documentation. This is a 12-month contract with an option to renew, located 100% onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Factors, Human-Robot Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Robotics, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on experience participating in or conducting at least one in-person human-subject research study.
• Experience collecting, managing, or analyzing quantitative research data.
• Proficiency with Python, or experience with another analytical programming language such as R or SPSS and willingness to learn Python.
• Experience working in an academic research or laboratory environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and participant-facing skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical equipment or systems independently during live experiments.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple research activities.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with robotic systems, mobile robots, robotic arms, quadruped robots, or autonomous platforms.
• Experience conducting human-robot interaction or human factors research.
• Familiarity with survey design, experimental randomization, and survey logic.
• Experience analyzing qualitative research data, including coding and identifying themes.
• Strong Python skills for statistical analysis and research reporting.
• Experience supporting research involving older adult participants.
• A friendly, empathetic, patient, and adaptable approach to working with people.
• Confidence troubleshooting technical challenges in real time.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, preparing, and executing in-person human-robot interaction experiments.
• Conduct user studies in office, laboratory, and field environments.
• Coordinate study schedules, participant recruitment, research materials, and daily logistics.
• Develop research protocols, questionnaires, interviews, and experimental materials.
• Create research stimuli, including videos, animations, and physical mockups.
• Set up and operate robotic systems during live research studies, including mobile robots and robotic arms.
• Independently troubleshoot technical issues and adapt to unexpected challenges during experiments.
• Guide participants through experiments, surveys, and interviews, creating a welcoming and professional experience.
• Ensure research protocols are followed and maintain accurate study documentation.
• Collect, organize, and analyze quantitative research data using Python, R, SPSS, or similar tools.
• Identify patterns, interpret findings, and help translate results into actionable insights.
• Support qualitative data coding and categorization.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to research reports.
• Maintain organized research records, datasets, and study documentation.

Benefits

• Hands-on exposure to advanced robotic platforms and human-centered research.
• Opportunity to help shape how people and intelligent robotic systems interact.
• Opportunity to build experience in experimental design, participant studies, robotics operations, and data analysis.
• Varied work spanning experiments, participant interaction, technical troubleshooting, and research analysis.
• Collaboration with researchers at the intersection of robotics, psychology, and human behavior.

What This Job Offers

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