Job Description

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Skills Required