Research Assistant

Rutgers University; New Brunswick, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance coverage

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS). The role supports a project on AI vulnerabilities in venues, including access control, crowd management, and threat alerts, with mitigation countermeasures development.

The position is nonexempt, up to 19.5 hours per week, with possible hybrid work. Open dates: 2026-09-21 to 2026-09-29; salary ranges $25-$30 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of the security of AI systems.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with AI risk frameworks such as DHS, CISA, NIST and MITRE.
• Background in data science, machine learning, and software engineering.
• Background in deep learning, computer vision, LLMs and AI system design.

Responsibilities

• Assists with literature reviews.
• Summarizes interviews and transcribes audio recordings.
• Works with secure (password protected) files.
• Assists with structured AI risk assessments.
• Participates in tabletop exercises.

Skills

AI security

Data science

Machine learning

Software engineering

Deep learning

LLMs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

DHS risk framework

CISA risk framework

NIST risk framework

MITRE ATT&CK

Job description

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America’s Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication’s 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation’s military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science ( DIMACS ). The Research Assistant will work on a project that will examine the emerging vulnerabilities created by the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence systems at sports and entertainment venues, where AI is now beginning to be embedded in areas such as access control, crowd management, vehicle screening, threat alerts, and personalized patron engagement. The project aims to identify how AI is currently used or planned to be used in venues, understand the associated risks, and develop actionable countermeasures.

Key Duties

• Assists with literature reviews.
• Summarizes interviews and transcribe audio recordings of interviews.
• Works with secure (password protected) files.
• Assists with structured AI risk assessments.
• Participates in tabletop exercises.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Salary Details

$25 - $30 per hour

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Part Time

Working Hours

Up to 19.5 hours per week

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of the security of AI systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Experience with AI risk frameworks such as those from DHS , CISA , and NIST , and MITRE .
• Background in and practical experience with data science, machine learning, and software engineering
• Background in deep learning, computer vision, LLMs, visual language models, agentic AI, AI system design.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical demands and work environment details are not specified.

Posting Details

Open Date 09/21/2026

Close Date 09/29/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

City New Brunswick

State NJ

Location Details

Pre‑employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: Non-Discrimination-Statement .

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Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

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