The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Research Assistant to contribute to projects involving robot arm manipulation using AI, with a focus on algorithm development, machine learning, control systems, and deployment on Unitree legged robots.

The Research Assistant oversees data collection, data organization, and/or data management or similar functions/tasks for research study(ies) in support of a PI or a research team.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Run routine and ad hoc reports.
• Use standard tools and computer programs to review data.
• Assist with data cleaning measures to ensure accuracy of data and preparation of tables.
• Lead basic activities such as data collection and data entry.
• May lead specific tasks and develop processes to ensure study activities occur effectively and efficiently.
• May conduct literature searches to support faculty in research efforts.
• May design and format papers/publications.
• May assist PIs in writing summaries of papers for release as policy briefs or other channels.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

• Develop and implement AI and control algorithms for robotic arm manipulation and coordinated locomotion on Unitree legged robots.
• Design, train, and optimize machine learning models for perception, motion planning, and adaptive control.
• Integrate sensor data (vision, force, IMU, and joint feedback) for closed-loop control and autonomous manipulation.
• Support real-world deployment, testing, and benchmarking of algorithms on physical robotic platforms.
• Collaborate with faculty and graduate students on experimental design, data collection, and performance evaluation.
• Assist with manuscript preparation, documentation, and presentation.

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Automation
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Proficiency in programming languages including Python, C, C++, and familiarity with Linux environments.
• Proficiency in Robotic Operating Systems (ROS).
• Research experience in machine learning, computer vision with Robotics Applications
• At least three peer-reviewed research publications in relevant fields such as machine learning, computer vision, or computational methods.

Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency

• Analytical Skills - Awareness
• Attention to Detail: - Awareness
• Data Management and Analysis - Awareness
• Formatting and Layout Proficiency - Awareness
• Information Gathering - Awareness
• Oral and Written Communications: Awareness
• Organizational Skills: Awareness

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Research Assistant   
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/03/CD  
Starting Salary Range: $17.20 - $30.30 HRLY (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Casual / On Call 
Schedule: M-F, 20hr/week 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: Homewood Campus  
Department name: Dept of Electrical and Computer Engrg  
Personnel area: Whiting School of Engineering 

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About Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was founded in 1876 as the nation's first research university, dedicated to bringing the benefits of discovery to the world. JHU is the largest private employer in Baltimore and Maryland, making a large economic impact in the city and state. We enroll more than 30,000 full- and part-time students across nine academic divisions, offering in-person and remote learning in over 400 programs. Not only are we located in Baltimore, but we also have a presence in Washington, D.C.

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