This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The PREP program provides valuable research and laboratory experience, as well as financial support, to researchers at various stages of their academic and professional careers. Individuals in this position will perform technical work that advances scientific research and measurement science across multiple disciplines.
Research Title:
Research Associate – Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Manufacturing
The work will entail:
The Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scientist for Manufacturing will serve as a technical expert in the design, development, evaluation, and deployment of trustworthy AI technologies to advance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, productivity, and quality. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research initiatives and support the transition of innovative AI-enabled manufacturing solutions from the laboratory to operational manufacturing environments.
Key responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Technical Development and Implementation:
- Design, develop, and deploy applied AI solutions focused on addressing key manufacturing challenges, including process optimization, quality assurance, predictive maintenance, digital engineering, and production planning.
- Integrate AI technologies into manufacturing systems, workflows, and operational processes to improve performance, efficiency, and decision-making.
Research and Technical Analysis
- Conduct advanced research and technical analyses to develop and evaluate trustworthy AI approaches for manufacturing applications.
- Contribute to measurement science research supporting the evaluation, validation, and assurance of AI-enabled manufacturing systems.
Technical Collaboration and Coordination
- Collaborate with researchers and technical experts across NIST, academia, industry, and external partner organizations to advance AI-enabled manufacturing research.
- Support the development of technical guidance, best practices, and standards-related activities related to AI in manufacturing.
Technology Transition and Stakeholder Engagement
- Support the transition of research outcomes into scalable, operational solutions for U.S. manufacturers and manufacturing technology stakeholders.
- Contribute to pilot implementations, technology demonstrations, and industry engagement activities that promote the adoption of AI-enabled manufacturing solutions.
Qualifications:
Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.
- Experience conducting research and measurement science in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or related fields to address challenges in manufacturing, industrial systems, or other critical and emerging technology areas.
- Experience developing, evaluating, or implementing AI-related methodologies, frameworks, standards, benchmarks, or pilot projects.
- Demonstrated ability to transition research outcomes into practical applications that deliver measurable impact to industry or government stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF), trustworthy AI principles, and related AI guidance documents.
- Strong analytical, technical, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary research environments.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity 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.