Research Assistant: Remote Sensing Intern - UAV/Satellite Image Processing - Computer Science

University of Texas at Austin; United States; Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking Undergraduate Research Assistants/Interns for the Dao Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology. You will contribute to projects developing machine learning methods for drone and satellite data in agricultural and environmental contexts.

You will work 10–15 hours per week, gain hands-on experience in data processing, lab and fieldwork, and collaborate with graduate students and postdocs under the supervision of Prof. Phuong Dao.

Qualifications

• Current UT student in undergraduate programs related to Computer Science, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Geography, Geosciences, and has completed the first year of an undergraduate program.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML/DL pipelines to process drone and satellite imagery.
• Analyze imagery for agricultural/environmental applications.
• Assist with lab spectral measurements, field data collection, and drone flights.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Computer vision

Python

Data science

Remote sensing

Education

Undergraduate student (UT Austin)

Tools

Python

QGIS

Pandas

Job description

Hiring Department: Department of Integrative Biology

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 15

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Nov 01, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Dec 31, 2026

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

Job Description: The Dao Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology is seeking Undergraduate Research Assistants/Interns for several projects that develop machine learning and deep learning methods to analyze drone and satellite remote sensing data for various agricultural and environmental applications. Responsibilities include lab and field spectral measurements, drone flight assistance, remote sensing image and spectra processing, machine learning and deep learning model development, statistical analyses, and report writing. The students are required to work between 10-15 hours per week. The students are expected to work independently and under the supervision of Prof. Phuong Dao and graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the group. The students will be trained to assist with drone flights, follow lab and field sampling protocols, and use advanced sensors and equipment in Dao's research group. More details about our group’s research can be found at https://daolab.weebly.com

Job Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning and deep learning pipelines to process drone and satellite imagery.
• Analyze drone and satellite imagery for agricultural and environmental applications.
• Help with lab spectra measurements, field data collection, and drone flights.

Qualifications: Current UT student in undergraduate programs related to Computer Science, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Geography, Geosciences, and has completed the first year of an undergraduate program.

Desired Skills: The student should have strong machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, image processing, and data science skills and be well-versed in Python or similar programming languages. Experience in databases and smartphone apps and web development is an advantage.

What You Will Gain

• Learn how to translate fundamental research into real-world applications
• Lead an independent research project
• Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment
• Build skills related to data management and interpretation

Work Schedule: Based on applicant availability. Required to work at least 10-15 hours/week.

Duration: Fall 2026 (October – December), with a possibility of extension to Spring 2027 and beyond.

Location: UT Austin and its field sites, with the possibility of some remote work

Salary: $15.00/hour

Required Application Materials

• Letter of interest, state availability (dates and hours/week)
• CV with relevant coursework, GPA, research experience
• Names and contact information of at least 2 references

Employment Eligibility: Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Retirement Plan Eligibility: Students in this position may choose to enroll in the UTSaver voluntary retirement programs.

Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and an Alpine Town Crime Report ("component") If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.