Research Engineer Intern - HCII - School of Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

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About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our extraordinary institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce dedicated alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university’s creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration. The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology, human activity, and society. Founded in 1993, the HCII is a place where we work to understand and compose technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in invent, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences. The CMU SPUD lab is hiring a research engineer intern to join the efforts of the privacy through design initiative: we explore the design space of a tool for internet users to scaffold their reflection around potential privacy risks stemming from their online self-disclosures, and which aims to empower them through informed decision-making. Core Responsibilities: Build upon design requirements that the research team has previously established, and use a large language model (LLM) to create tools that help internet users of online anonymous/pseudonymous fora (like Reddit) contextualize their privacy risks. Help end users quickly identify relevant privacy risks and their potential severity Generate plans for supporting end-users in mitigating detected privacy risks in users online posts Assist with the front-end and back-end development of the browser plugin-based tool Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the School of Computer Science. Collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Requirements

• Experience in web development (coursework, internships, and personal projects count)
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern web development framework
• Experience with database management and back-end programming (Python and/or JavaScript
• Experience with GitHub for version control and collaboration
• Experience with Back-end development (e.g. database logic, Firebase)
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and comfort iterating from feedback
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a research team
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Successful background investigation may be required.

Responsibilities

• Build upon design requirements that the research team has previously established, and use a large language model (LLM) to create tools that help internet users of online anonymous/pseudonymous fora (like Reddit) contextualize their privacy risks.
• Help end users quickly identify relevant privacy risks and their potential severity
• Generate plans for supporting end-users in mitigating detected privacy risks in users online posts
• Assist with the front-end and back-end development of the browser plugin-based tool

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: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed