Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004211)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

Career development support

Retirement package

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a PREP Research Associate to investigate the performance of 3D machine vision systems within the Intelligent Systems Division at NIST.

The selected candidate will engage in integrating robotics with 3D systems, evaluate performance metrics, and contribute to peer-reviewed research. Candidates should hold a master’s degree in engineering and possess strong programming skills, particularly in Python and MATLAB.

Qualifications

• US Citizen preferred.
• Programming experience in Python, Java, or C#.
• Experience conducting experiments to evaluate performance.

Responsibilities

• Integrate robot arms and bin-picking systems into testbeds.
• Conduct experiments evaluating robotic systems.
• Collect data from various 3D imaging systems.

Skills

Programming experience in Python

Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS2)

Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, OnShape)

Operating and programming polymer/resin 3D printers

Proficiency in a Linux environment

Experience using MATLAB for data analysis

Basic understanding of robot control theory

Experience with 3D sensors (LiDAR, RGB-D cameras)

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering or final year of a master’s program

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SolidWorks

OnShape

Job description

PREP Research Associate

Position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The role requires collaboration with researchers at academic institutions and will be filled through a university partner of NIST.

Research Title: Robotics and Perception Engineer: Perception Performance of Robotic Systems

Position Description: The Intelligent Systems Division at NIST is investigating the performance of 3D machine vision systems for manufacturing applications. The research will focus on integrating 3D bin‑picking vision systems with robotic arms, conducting experiments to evaluate performance, and developing new metrics and standards for these systems.

Work Schedule: On-campus (Gaithersburg, MD), Full-time (40 hrs/week)

Duties

• Integrate robot arms and commercial bin‑picking systems into the NIST/ISD bin‑picking testbed.
• Program collaborative robot arms for conducting various tasks and experiments.
• Research the effects of various factors (part color, part surface properties, bin color, bin depth, ratio of part size to bin size, part distribution in a bin) on bin‑picking performance (e.g., cycle time, pose uncertainty).
• Collect data from various 3D imaging systems.
• Design and develop 3D printed artifacts and optimize 3D printer parameters for improved quality.
• Use metrology systems (e.g., laser trackers, CMMs) to establish reference measurements.
• Use analysis software (Python, MATLAB, Spatial Analyzer, Polyworks, Excel) to interpret results and produce visualizations.
• Assist in the development of demonstrations for trade shows and conferences.
• Write reports and contribute to peer‑reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• US Citizen preferred.
• Engineering majors with a master’s degree, or in the final year of a master’s program.
• Programming experience in Python, Java, or C#.
• Experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS2) for visualizing and controlling robots.
• Experience with CAD software: SolidWorks or OnShape.
• Experience operating and programming polymer and resin 3D printers; ability to optimize printing parameters.
• Proficiency in a Linux environment.
• Experience using MATLAB for data capture and analysis.
• Basic understanding of robot control theory (DH parameters, kinematics, etc.).
• Experience with 3D sensors such as LiDAR or RGB‑D cameras.

The applicant selected for this position will receive minimal training in the use of certain systems needed for the work.

Salary Range

Minimum: $…; Maximum: $… (based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith assessment at posting).

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package supporting health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found online.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Pre‑Employment Information

Applicants requiring special assistance or accommodation during the pre‑employment process should contact the HR Business Services Office. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. More information about workplace accommodations is available online.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be subject to a pre‑employment background check including education verification.

EEO is the Law

https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages but no longer requires, a COVID‑19 vaccine for most positions, except for School of Medicine, which requires full vaccination with an FDA‑approved COVID‑19 vaccine. All faculty, staff, and students must receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Exceptions may be provided for sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions. Exceptions must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. Additional information is available online.

Pre‑employment physical exams for positions in clinical areas or involving community contact require documentation of immunity against Rubella, Mumps, Varicella, Hepatitis B, measles, and Tdap vaccination. Documentation may be provided by a healthcare provider or through the JHU Occupational Health office.