PREP Research Associate 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. 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 https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/grasping-manipulation-and-contact-safety-performance-robotic-systems Information about the NIST PREP program can be found here: https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/professional-research-experience-program 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 Salary: $33-$43 Per Hour Please upload the following with your application: - CV/Resume - 2 professional references *Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Please DO NOT include telephone numbers, home address or photos on your resume. 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) (https://www.nist.gov/iaao/academic-affairs-office/nist-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 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. Additional Information Salary Range The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University. Total Rewards Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. Equal Opportunity Employer The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved. Pre-Employment Information If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu. Background Checks The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification. EEO is the Law: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf Diversity and Inclusion The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion (https://diversity.jhu.edu/roadmap-on-diversity-and-inclusion/) . Vaccine Requirements Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine (https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/flu-vaccine-policy/) . Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/. The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office. Job Type: Part Time The listed salary range represents the minimum and maximum Johns Hopkins University offers for this position, based on a good faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors such as location, skills, experience, market conditions, education, and internal equity. Not all candidates will qualify for the highest salary in the range. Johns Hopkins provides a comprehensive benefits package supporting health, career, and retirement. Learn more: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/. Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. EEO is the Law https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf