ISTD Robotics Graduate Research Assistant- Fall 2025 - ATAS

Georgia Tech Research Institute; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established research institution is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to contribute to cutting-edge projects in robotic manipulation and machine learning integration. This role offers the opportunity to work with advanced robotic platforms, focusing on developing and implementing mechanical and electrical systems. Ideal candidates will be pursuing a Master's or PhD in relevant fields and possess strong programming skills in C++ and Python. Join a dynamic team dedicated to solving complex problems and advancing technology for real-world applications.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s or PhD in relevant fields.
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Experience with robotic systems and programming.

Responsibilities

• Work on dexterous control of robotic manipulation.
• Integrate machine learning techniques into robotic behaviors.
• Conduct background research, programming, and testing.

Skills

C++

Python

Machine Learning

Robotic Manipulation

Debugging

Communication Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Robotics

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

Linux

ROS

Git

3D Printing

Job description

Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Job Description

The Robotic Branch of the Intelligent Sustainable Technologies Division within the Aerospace, Transportation and Advanced Systems (ATAS) is looking for a Graduate Research Assistant, starting Fall 2025, to work on various aspects of dexterous control of robotic manipulation, integrating machine learning techniques into robotic behaviors, and testing and documentation of results from autonomous systems. This student should be able to work in a group setting to design, develop and implement various mechanical and electrical systems for use on our ROS and ROS2 robotic platforms. Tasks will include items such as background research, programming, debugging, and testing.

Required Minimum Qualifications

Graduate Research Assistant

• Pursuing a Master’s degree or PhD at Georgia Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Robotics Engineer
• Must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours)
• Must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
• Commit to 15-20 hours of work per week

Preferred Qualifications

• Pursuing Knowledge of design principles
• Experience with rigid body transformations and their numeric representations
• Strong math skills and ability to learn complex engineering concepts
• Familiarity with Linux and open source tools
• Familiarity with configuration management tools (git in particular)
• C++ and Python experience
• Prototyping and 3D printing experience
• ROS/ROS 2 experience in creating nodes, services, topics
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas to non-technical personnel

Hours per Week

20 hours per week

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Not Applicable

Clearance Type Required

None

Housing and Relocation

Housing and relocation assistance are not available for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.