Part-Time Research Assistant/Programmer - Yanxi Liu

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is seeking part-time Research Assistant/Programmer to assist with robotics and machine learning research as well as data collection and data analysis. This project is led by Dr. Yanxi Liu in the School of EECS at Penn State. This position is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Position Details

• Anticipated Start Date: 6/30/25
• End Date: TBD
• Weekly Hours: 20 +/- hours per week (flexible scheduling)
• Compensation: $21 per hour

The following are foundational and necessary skills:

Programming & Environment:

• Python
• Proficient in scripting, data manipulation, and debugging
• NumPy
• Experience with array operations, broadcasting, and vectorization
• Linux / Unix
• Familiarity with shell commands, SSH, file structures, and scripting
• Git
• Version control using GitHub or GitLab

Mathematics & Geometry:

• Linear Algebra

• Basic matrix operations

• Coordinate Systems

• Understanding of world, camera, and image spaces
• 3D Transformations
• Rotation, translation, scaling, etc., homogeneous coordinates

Deep Learning:

• Experience with at least one deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Understanding of:
  • Neural network architecture (e.g., CNNs)
  • Loss functions, optimization, and backpropagation
  • Training, evaluation, and debugging
  • Computer Graphics & Vision Fundamentals
  • Computer graphics basics
  • Mesh structure (vertices, faces, normals)
  • Coordinate transformations
  • Local vs. global frames, extrinsics/intrinsics

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your background, relevant experience, and interest in this project, in WorkDay.

For inquiries, you may contact Dr.Yanxi Liu at yul11@psu.edu or Dr. Robert Collins at rtc12@psu.edu. We look forward to your application and the prospect of working together!

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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