This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
RESEARCH TITLE
Robotics Research Engineer (2025-2026)
JOB DESCRIPTION
NIST is seeking a self-motivated researcher with experience using high dexterity, multi-finger robot hands. The selected candidate will contribute to projects focused on the research and development of methods for benchmarking robotic grasping and manipulation. The work will include research with multiple commercial robotic grasp-type end-effectors, integration of force sensors at the fingertip, performance testing focused on high-dexterity capabilities such as ‘in-hand manipulation’ and ‘finger force sensitivity’, and forward thinking experimentation and evaluation of new technologies in the field of grasping and manipulation.
EXPECTATIONS/RESPONSABILITIES
- The researcher is expected to be able to work independently.
- They must be able to communicate their goals, needs, and project updates clearly.
- They will be expected to document their work well and be prepared to present findings.
- They will conduct experiments, analyze data, and report/document results through technical publications.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required experience:
- Strong background in robotics and engineering.
- Proficiency in sensor integration, signal processing, and data analysis with robotic systems
- Knowledge of tactile sensing principals and current state-of-the-art technology
- Programming in Python, C++ or equivalent.
- Experience with ROS/ROS2 and MoveIt
Preferred experience:
- Machine learning techniques for force sensing
- Experience in simulation environments such as IsaacSim, Gazeebo, etc.
- Strong communication and technical writing skills
Note: This position has the potential for consideration for full-time employment pursuant to the candidate possessing the proper qualifications and the availability of funds.
More information about the NIST robotics program and the grasping and manipulation work can be found here:
https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/measurement-science-robotics-and-autonomous-systems
Information about the NIST PREP program can be found here: https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/professional-research-experience-program
Privacy Act Statement
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
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