Research Associate

Research Associate

Worcester Full-Time 28800 - 48000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Dive into machine learning research, focusing on human behaviour in educational settings.
  • Company: Join Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a leader in innovative education and research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and hands-on experience.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in education while working with cutting-edge technology and passionate researchers.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields; enthusiasm for research is key.
  • Other info: WPI values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 Β£ per year.

JOB TITLE

Research Associate

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Robotics Engineering – NFR JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute – WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the design, prototyping, and control of a bio-inspired robotic gate system. This system will mimic biological mechanisms to enable adaptive, efficient, and robust control for regulating passage in dynamic environments. The role involves mechanical design, actuation strategies, and intelligent control for real-world deployment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design & Analysis: Develop innovative bio-inspired concepts for a robotic gate mechanism that can block or allow traffic dynamically.Perform structural and dynamic analysis to ensure reliability and safety.
  • Prototyping & Integration: Fabricate and assemble robotic gate prototypes using advanced manufacturing techniques.Integrate sensors, actuators, and control hardware for autonomous operation.
  • Control & Automation: Implement control algorithms for adaptive opening/closing based on environmental and user inputs.Test and validate system performance under various conditions.
  • Research & Dissemination: Publish research findings in top-tier journals and present at conferences.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor graduate students.
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Lead a group of students performing sub-tasksDevelop strong communication and collaboration among group membersExpand research to novel directions and assist in grant applications
  • Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong background in linkage mechanisms, robotic design, actuation, and control systems.
  • Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, ROS) and hardware integration.
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping and deploying embedded robotic systems.
  • Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of bio-inspired mechanisms and adaptive systems.
  • Experience with soft robotics or compliant structures.
  • Familiarity with safety standards for automated systems.
  • Compensation:

    $60,000 – This is an on-site position beginning January 2026 to August 15, 2026 with the possibility of extension.

    FLSA STATUS

    United States of America (Exempt)

    WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

    Research Associate employer: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is an exceptional employer for those seeking a meaningful career in research, particularly in the innovative field of machine learning. Located in Worcester, WPI fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and problem-solving, while offering ample opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and collaboration with experienced faculty and peers. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diversity and is committed to maintaining a harassment-free workplace, making it an ideal setting for aspiring researchers.
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    Contact Detail:

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Research Associate

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in multi-modal machine learning. Read up on recent research papers and case studies that focus on speech, text, and vision analysis in educational contexts. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also give you talking points during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Engage with the academic community by attending relevant conferences or webinars. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights into current challenges and innovations, making you a more attractive candidate for the Research Associate position.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Consider building a small project or prototype that showcases your skills in machine learning and human behaviour analysis. Having a tangible example of your work can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your practical abilities.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Reach out to current or former employees of the research lab at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. They can provide valuable insights about the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the position.

    We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate

    Machine Learning
    Data Analysis
    Programming Skills (Python, R, or similar)
    Statistical Analysis
    Natural Language Processing (NLP)
    Computer Vision
    Research Methodology
    Collaboration and Teamwork
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Communication Skills
    Experience with Educational Data Mining
    Familiarity with Multi-modal Data Analysis
    Prototyping and Experimentation
    Attention to Detail

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Associate position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in machine learning, data science, or related fields. Mention specific projects or research that align with the job's focus on multi-modal human behaviour analysis.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains your motivation for applying and how your background fits the role. Be sure to mention your interest in educational data mining and collaboration contexts, as these are key aspects of the position.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in research roles.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    ✨Showcase Your Research Passion

    Make sure to express your enthusiasm for research, especially in machine learning and its applications. Discuss any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest in educational data mining and multi-modal behaviour analysis.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect questions related to machine learning concepts and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of speech, text, and vision processing, and be ready to discuss how you would implement computational experiments.

    ✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

    Since the role involves working with graduate students and postdocs, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful questions about the research lab's current projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.

    Research Associate
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Location: Worcester
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