Part-Time Research Assistant/Programmer - Yanxi Liu

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a part-time Research Assistant/Programmer to support robotics and machine learning research in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The role involves data collection, data analysis, and collaboration with Dr.

Yanxi Liu in Penn State's School of EECS. Anticipated start date is 6/30/25 with end date TBD, and weekly hours around 20, offering compensation of $21 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python scripting, data manipulation, and debugging.
• Experience with NumPy array operations, broadcasting, and vectorization.
• Familiarity with Linux/Unix shell commands, SSH, and file structures.
• Version control with Git and platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Foundational mathematics including Linear Algebra and 3D transformations.
• Deep learning experience with frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow; knowledge of networks, losses, backpropagation.
• Computer graphics/vision basics: meshes, coordinates, and camera spaces.

Skills

Python

NumPy

Linux/Unix

Git

Linear Algebra

3D Transformations

Deep Learning

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Computer Graphics

Computer Vision Basics

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

GitHub/GitLab

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is seeking part-time Research Assistant/Programmer to assist with robotics and machine learning research as well as data collection and data analysis. This project is led by Dr. Yanxi Liu in the School of EECS at Penn State. This position is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Position Details

• Anticipated Start Date: 6/30/25
• End Date: TBD
• Weekly Hours: 20 +/- hours per week (flexible scheduling)
• Compensation: $21 per hour

The following are foundational and necessary skills:

• Programming & Environment: Python Proficient in scripting, data manipulation, and debugging
• NumPy Experience with array operations, broadcasting, and vectorization
• Linux / Unix Familiarity with shell commands, SSH, file structures, and scripting
• Git Version control using GitHub or GitLab
• Mathematics & Geometry: Linear Algebra Basic matrix operations Coordinate Systems Understanding of world, camera, and image spaces 3D Transformations Rotation, translation, scaling, etc., homogeneous coordinates
• Deep Learning: Experience with at least one deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow Understanding of: Neural network architecture (e.g., CNNs) Loss functions, optimization, and backpropagation Training, evaluation, and debugging
• Computer Graphics & Vision Fundamentals Computer graphics basics Mesh structure (vertices, faces, normals) Coordinate transformations Local vs. global frames, extrinsics/intrinsics

Background Checks/Clearances

• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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• Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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• Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
• If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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