Autonomous Systems Research Specialist

UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Northern (KY)

Hybrid

USD 50,000 - 61,000

Full time

8 hours ago

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Job summary

The University of the Virgin Islands seeks an Autonomous Systems Research Specialist to maintain VICAR's robotic, computing, and data infrastructure and contribute to coral reef research across CMES. Responsibilities include marine robotics operations, VICARIUS computing administration, and field research support including AAUS diving and AUV missions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, hands-on robotics experience, Linux computing, and strong documentation skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a closely related field.
Hands-on experience with marine robotics (ROVs, AUVs) or similar systems; Linux-based computing; Git; at least one scripting language (Python preferred).
AAUS Scientific Diver certification with documented dive history.
Knowledge of marine autonomous systems and underwater imaging.
Linux system administration and scientific computing workflows; remote/headless operation.

Responsibilities

Maintain lab robotic, computing, and data infrastructure for VICAR/VICARIUS.
Perform marine robotics operations, maintenance, and field repairs (30%).
Support VICARIUS computing/NAS administration, backups, and AI-pipeline support (30%).
Contribute to scientific research and peer-reviewed publications (20%).
Field research support including AAUS diving and AUV missions (10%).
Collaborate across CMES laboratories and VICAR consortium.

Skills

Marine robotics

AAUS Scientific Diver

Linux computing environments

Python scripting

Git/GitHub version control

AUV/ROV operation

Education

Bachelor's degree in marine science, robotics, computer science, engineering, or related field

Tools

Git

Linux

Python

GPU workloads

Job description

Department Center for Marine and Environmental Studies

Job Description

The Autonomous Systems Research Specialist supports the Virgin Islands Center for Autonomous Research ( VICAR ) and its integrated undersea survey system ( VICARIUS ) by maintaining the lab's robotic, computing, and data infrastructure and contributing to coral reef research conducted across CMES . Responsibilities include: marine robotics operations, maintenance, and field repair (30%); VICARIUS computing/ NAS administration, backup integrity, and AI-pipeline support (30%); scientific research and peer-reviewed publication contributions (20%); field research support including AAUS scientific diving and AUV missions in support of coral reef studies (10%); cross-laboratory collaboration across the broader VICAR consortium (5%); and professional development and outreach (5%).

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in marine science, robotics, computer science, engineering, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution of higher learning.

2. At least two years of relevant experience, which may include research conducted during attainment of a higher academic degree. Relevant experience includes hands-on work with marine robotics (ROVs, AUVs) or comparable robotic and electromechanical systems; Linux-based scientific computing environments, version control with Git, and at least one scripting language (Python preferred); field experience working from small boats and conducting marine surveys; and an active AAUS Scientific Diver certification with a documented dive history.
3. Working knowledge of marine autonomous systems and underwater imaging.

4. Linux system administration and scientific computing workflows, including environment management, GPU -accelerated workloads, and remote/headless operation.

5. Familiarity with AI and machine-learning concepts and image-based pipelines (segmentation, classification, structure-from-motion photogrammetry).

6. Git and GitHub version control and modular code development practices.

7. Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills across hardware and software.

8. Ability to swim and SCUBA dive as an AAUS Scientific Diver in support of marine research operations.

9. Strong technical writing skills and the ability to contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.

10. Ability to operate small watercraft in the conduct of marine scientific research (preferred; training available).

11. Strong organizational and documentation habits aligned with the VICARIUS data-integrity and reproducibility framework.

12. Interpersonal skills to facilitate work in office, laboratory, and field conditions, including collaboration across CMES laboratories and the broader VICAR consortium.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

1. Local travel; occasional national and international travel for scientific conferences and training.

2. Ability to lift weights of up to 50 lbs, including marine robotic platforms in their transit cases.

3. Willingness to work outside of normal working hours (8:30-4:30) when conducting field research.

4. Field work in marine environments and aboard small vessels under variable weather conditions.

Posting Number

Posting Number P187

Location

Location St. Thomas

Position Type

Position Type Full Time