Undergraduate Research Assistant - Master 2 Undergrad

Miami University Alumni Association; Poplar Springs (MS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Miami University Hamilton Campus invites motivated Undergraduate Research Assistants to join a multidisciplinary team focused on advanced manufacturing and workforce development. You will gain hands-on experience with AI, computer vision, and XR/MR, while working with CNC and milling equipment in a grant-funded environment.

The role emphasizes testing, data collection, and development of immersive manufacturing instructions, under supervision of faculty and researchers, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Undergrad students in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Robotics, Mechatronics, CS, IT, Manufacturing or related field.
• Hands-on, dependable, curious, eager to learn; experience in programming, robotics, AI, computer vision, XR/MR, data analysis or automation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Test, evaluate, and collect data on XR/MR, AI, robotics, and manufacturing applications.
• Support lab setup and equipment operation (CNC, milling, robotics).
• Assist with participant testing, user feedback and data validation.
• Develop and document datasets, perform image annotation and data preparation.

Skills

hands-on

robotics

AI

computer vision

XR/MR

data analysis

industrial automation

programming

Education

Undergraduate student in Engineering/Tech fields

Tools

CNC machines

Milling machines

Robotics

Laboratory equipment

AI hardware

Job description

Job Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Master 2 Undergrad

Department

Applied Computing and Engineering Technology Department JM

Worker Type

Student (Fixed Term)

Pay Information

For hourly student pay rates, please visit the Student Job Classification page on the Office of Human Resources website. For salaried student positions, contact the department for pay information.

Duration of Appointment

Start ASAP/ Job ends June 2027

Maximum Scheduled Weekly Hours

1

Job Description Summary

Job Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant
Job Level: Student Master Level 2
Area: Advanced Manufacturing, AI, and Extended Reality (XR)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Appointment Period: ASAP through June 2027
Funding: Grant-funded position
Primary Work Location: Miami University Hamilton Campus/Advanced Manufacturing Hub

Job Description

We are seeking motivated and versatile Undergraduate Research Assistants to join a multidisciplinary research team working in advanced manufacturing and workforce development at Miami University’s Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub.

The student will gain hands‑on research experience working with advanced manufacturing equipment, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer vision, and Extended/Mixed Reality (XR/MR). The position will focus on two primary areas:

1. Testing, Evaluation, and Data Collection

• Support testing and evaluation of XR/MR, AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing applications.
• Assist with laboratory and equipment setup involving CNC machines, milling machines, collaborative robots, pallet trucks, and other manufacturing systems.
• Support participant testing and human‑factors evaluations, including collection of user feedback and performance data.
• Assist with image annotation and development, cleaning, and validation of computer‑vision datasets.
• Test system functionality, identify and document issues, and support troubleshooting.
• Assist with system demonstrations, deployment, user training, and validation.

1. Research and Development Support

• Support development and integration of XR/MR applications for manufacturing safety, operation, maintenance, and workforce training.
• Assist with computer vision, Generative AI, and Agentic AI development and integration.
• Support development of immersive work instructions for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Assist with programming, robotics, hardware/software integration, and manufacturing equipment as needed.
• Support preparation of technical documentation, research materials, datasets, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and industry partners to develop and improve project technologies.

Qualifications

Applicants should be undergraduate students in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Automation, or a related technical field.

The ideal candidate is hands‑on, dependable, technically curious, and eager to learn. Experience with programming, robotics, manufacturing, AI, computer vision, XR/MR, data analysis, or industrial automation is beneficial but not required.

This grant‑funded position provides an excellent opportunity to gain applied undergraduate research experience while working alongside a talented research team on emerging technologies in advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

The position is expected to begin as soon as possible and continue through June 2027, subject to satisfactory performance and continued grant funding.

Required Application Documents

resume/CV, cover letter

Posting Contact Information

Amy Francko

Additional Information

A criminal background check may be required. All campuses are smoke‑and tobacco‑free campuses.

This organization participates in E‑Verify.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513‑529‑3560. Questions and follow‑ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [e-mail] or 513‑529‑3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513‑529‑2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.