Imagery Analysis Research Assistant (Student)

American University; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking multiple student Research Assistants to support a project analyzing solar PV proliferation in the Middle East. Tasks include annotating solar panel locations on high‑resolution satellite images and helping train deep learning models for panel detection, with opportunities to train others in online annotation workflows.

Position is part-time (5–8 hours/week) for October 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027 and open to enrolled AU students.

Qualifications

• Annotate the locations and sizes of solar panel arrays in Jordan and Lebanon on high-resolution satellite imagery.
• Assist in training and validation of deep learning models for solar panel location.
• Train others in online annotation workflows.
• Other tasks on this project as requested.

Responsibilities

• Annotate the locations and sizes of solar panel arrays in Jordan and Lebanon on high-resolution satellite imagery.
• Assist in training and validation of deep learning models for solar panel location.
• Train others in online annotation workflows.
• Other tasks on this project as requested.

Skills

Satellite imagery

Deep learning

Annotation workflows

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students. Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

Job Summary:

Prof Alonzo seeks multiple research assistants to work on a project trying to understand the proliferation of solar pv technology in the Middle East. This project makes use of 30 cm resolution satellite imagery from 2021 and 2025 over Lebanon and Jordan. The main job is to help train and validate deep learning, computer vision models tasked with locating and measuring solar panels.

Essential Functions

• Annotate the locations and sizes of solar panel arrays in Jordan and Lebanon on high-resolution satellite imagery.
• Assist in training and validation of deep learning models for solar panel location.
• Train others in online annotation workflows.
• Other tasks on this project as requested.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Part-time. 5 - 8 hours per week.

Salary Range: $18.40 per hour.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: Start and end date: October 10, 2026 – May 15, 2027.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.