PREP Research Associate 2
This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
RESEARCH TITLE
Emergency Response Robot Standards Development
JOB DESCRIPTION
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading an international initiative to develop standardized test methods for ground-based robotic systems and small unmanned aircraft systems. This work is being carried out through the ASTM International Standards Committee on Homeland Security Applications—Response Robots (ASTM E54.09).
NIST invites collaboration on research and development efforts aimed at advancing standardized testing for robotic systems. The scope of this collaborative research includes:
- Designing test apparatuses, performance metrics, and data collection tools to evaluate system capabilities and remote operator proficiency.
- Validating testing protocols, modeling and simulation tools, and reference materials.
- Analyzing experimental data to establish average and best-in-class performance benchmarks, enabling responders to assess and compare their systems using standardized metrics.
- Analyze sensor data and draw suitable conclusions for improving the robot’s efficiency
- Conduct research to improve and innovate robotic technologies, including AI integration, sensor development, and automation processes.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate robotics solutions into existing systems and workflows.
- Test, evaluate, and troubleshoot robotic systems to ensure optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation of designs, processes, and results, and prepare technical reports for stakeholders
- Provide technical support and guidance to other engineers and stakeholders involved in robotics projects.
Collaborative work will take place at NIST facilities, and at designated field exercises or data collection events. Testing will involve representative robotic systems to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the test methods for public safety applications.
EXPECTATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
- The researcher is expected to be able to work independently.
- They must be able to communicate their goals, needs, and project updates clearly.
- They will be expected to document their work well and be prepared to present findings.
- They will conduct experiments, analyze data, and report/document results through technical publications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required experience:
- Must be a US Citizen
- Must have or the ability to obtain a Part 107 remote pilot certificate.
- Strong background in engineering or engineering technology or related field.
- Must have strong 3-D modeling experience in SketchUp or similar software
- Programming in Python, C++ or equivalent.
Preferred experience:
- Strong communication and technical writing skills
- Strong working knowledge of video editing software; adobe premier
- Strong working knowledge of all Microsoft office products (excel, word, powerpoint)
- Strong working knowledge of indesign
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.