Part-Time Research Assistant/Programmer - Yanxi Liu

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering is seeking a part-time Research Assistant/Programmer to support robotics and machine learning research, as well as data collection and analysis, under Dr. Yanxi Liu.

This 20-hour per week position offers $21 per hour and provides a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work in ML and computer vision, with emphasis on Python, NumPy, Linux/Unix, Git, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.

Qualifications

• Experience with robotics or ML research preferred.
• Strong Python programming and data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Proficiency with Linux/Unix and Git.

Skills

Python

Scripting

Data manipulation

Debugging

Linear Algebra

Git

Tools

NumPy

Linux/Unix

Git

PyTorch

TensorFlow

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

Weekly Hours: 20 +/- hours per week (flexible scheduling)

Compensation: $21 per hour

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

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.