Research Assistant: Remote Sensing, UAV/Satellite Image Processing, and Computer Science

The University of Texas at Austin; Utah; Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks Undergraduate Research Assistants/Interns to develop ML/DL methods for drone and satellite remote sensing data, with focus on agricultural and environmental projects. You will assist with drone flights, field sampling, and data processing, working under Phuong Dao and graduate students.

Work involves 10–15 hours/week, on UT Austin campus and field sites, with some remote work possible.

Qualifications

• Current UT student in undergraduate programs related to Computer Science, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Geography or Geosciences and has completed the first year of an undergraduate program.
• Strong ML/DL/CV skills, with capabilities in large language models and image processing; Python proficiency required; databases and web development are a plus.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

Computer vision

Python

Data science

Image processing

Large language models

Databases

Web development

Education

Undergraduate student in Computer Science

Undergraduate student in Remote Sensing

Tools

Python

Databases

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Assistant: Remote Sensing, UAV/Satellite Image Processing, and Computer Science ---- 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: 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

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). 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.

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Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus