Computer Science/Computer Engineering Undergraduate Research Assistant - Translational Research for Injury Prevention Lab - 530506

Pay Grade/Pay Range: $12.00/hour

Department/Organization: 204671 - Institute for Social Science Research

Normal Work Schedule: Flexible; Monday - Friday, some evenings and weekends; 15-20 hours per week

Job Summary: The Computer Science/Computer Engineering Undergraduate Research Assistant works on Big Data acquired by the Translational Research for Injury Prevention (TRIP) Lab to assist with building solutions and methods for data reduction, aggregation, and analysis. Additional A.I. and machine learning/deep learning algorithms for building programs and automated solutions for research processes in accordance with the research project requirements. Assists, oversees, and troubleshoots the lab systems (networked systems, data servers, development environment, simulator systems etc.). Assists in the tech aspects of the lab’s research studies.

Additional Department Summary: The Translational Research for Injury Prevention (TRIP) Lab conducts driving behavior research to understand the impact of human factors within various driving scenarios. The lab houses a full-size, high-fidelity driving simulator for conducting research. Human factors of interest for driving behaviors are tailored to the research question, but encompass topics such as distraction, reaction, visual attention, communication, automated assisted driving, self-driving, and interaction with A.I. assistance among others. Research conducted by the TRIP Lab acquires several terabytes worth of data through deep and integrated systems of sensors and computer systems. The computer engineering of the lab holds a wide range of programmatical development and solutions in big data analysis, data warehousing, computer networking, systems integration, server solutions, 2D/3D- visualization and simulation, ML/DL in computer vision, real-time A.I. application development, embedded A.I. module development, Natural Language Processing (NLP) etc., and plays a crucial role in accomplishing the goals and objectives of the research studies.      

Required Minimum Qualifications: Current University of Alabama undergraduate student with technical competence and experience in computer science/computer engineering and experience in programming and projects.

Skills and Knowledge:Technical: Programming primarily in python, shell scripting in Linux, also preferred skills in C, C++, javascript, shell scripting in windows. Platform/IDE familiarity in windows, linux, jupyter, anaconda, vscode.

Technologies: Primary interest and experience in Big Data analysis, ML/DL, system admin, networking, and hardware/software troubleshooting. Additional interest and experience in 3D simulation, systems integration, research, driving simulation, simulator operations. 

Non-Technical: Time management and scheduling skills, presence of computer science specialization and willingness to work outside of it, willingness to learn, consistency on deliverables and timelines, learn new technologies and platforms, good problem solving, analytical skills, ability to work in a team or independently, good communication, and good at taking notes.

Preferred Qualifications: Human subjects research experience. Interest in behavioral science research. Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as needed. Interested in working with the lab for at least a year. Available to work with the lab over the summer semester if continuing past current academic year. Able to work 15-20 hours per week.

Enrollment Requirements: Applicants must meet enrollment requirements to be eligible for on-campus student employment. Applicants must be enrolled in a UA degree program and meet minimum credit hour requirements during the academic year: Undergraduate Students must be registered for at least 6 credit hours during fall/spring semesters; Graduate Students must be registered for at least 4.5 credit hours during fall/spring semesters; International Students must be registered full-time (Undergraduate = 12 credit hours, Graduate = 9 credit hours) during fall/spring semesters. Enrollment requirements must be maintained for the duration of on-campus employment. Individual hiring departments and programs may also have additional eligibility requirements for employment.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.

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