Research Associate, Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in Austin is looking for a Research Associate to conduct research in applied robotics for extreme environments, focusing on autonomy and human-machine interfaces. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. in engineering or computer science and have significant experience in using ROS, Python, and C++. The salary is competitive at over $110,000, depending on qualifications, with opportunities to secure research funding within various industries.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering or computer science in robotics.
• Minimum four years of experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS).
• Two years of experience in applied robotics related to specified research topics.
• Established record of independent research.
• Experience writing research grants and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research in applied robotics for extreme environments.
• Serve as co-principal investigator for research funding.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and software repositories.
• Supervise graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Skills

Robotics

Python

C++

Robot Operating System (ROS)

Research funding

Education

Ph.D. in engineering or computer science

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Microcontrollers

Job description

Research Associate, Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory

Hiring Department: Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

Wage: $110,000 + depending on qualifications

Responsibilities

• Carry out research in applied robotics for extreme environments, especially defense, space, nuclear, and oil & gas industries. Focus on autonomy, human‑machine interfaces, mobile manipulation, control, and hardware/sensor integration. Advance autonomous capabilities in uncertain environments to reduce operator burden and improve task efficiency and safety.
• Serve as co‑principal investigator or senior research personnel to secure research funding from federal agencies and industry.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and the group’s software repositories.
• Supervise and educate graduate students and postdoctoral researchers and support publication efforts related to the program's research.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in engineering or computer science in robotics.
• Minimum four years of experience using the Robot Operating System (ROS) with knowledge of Python and C++ and a history of creating or contributing to ROS software. Preferred experience as a software engineer.
• Two years of experience in applied robotics related to at least one of the specified research topics, possibly as a postdoctoral researcher or in industry.
• Established record of independent research demonstrated by scholarly publications in archival journals, patent filings, and/or receipt of research funding from governmental or private agencies.
• Experience writing research grants and proposals and obtaining research funding.
• U.S. Citizenship as required by research funding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD, 3D printing, basic wiring, DC circuits, and/or microcontrollers.
• Working knowledge of one or more application areas: defense, space, nuclear, and/or oil & gas industries.

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions.
• Research laboratory environment.
• Typically in a high‑bay facility near robotic systems and mock‑up facilities.
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical hazards.
• Manual dexterity required.
• Lifting and moving duties.
• Work outside standard business hours may be required periodically.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complying with all applicable federal and state laws. 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.