Research Assistant ECECS
Description
This position will be shown as Confidential on ADP as it is a student job board only and all jobs are advertised and communicated through Handshake. However, please note that the information obtained through this process is shared with Human Resources, Hiring Managers/Supervisors, Recruiters, Payroll, and/or other decision-makers that need the information to complete the hiring process at Detroit Mercy.
Position Type:
Federal Work Study And Non Work Study.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Undergraduate Research Assistant will support research in autonomous vehicle perception using long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging.
The student will work with faculty researchers to develop, integrate, and evaluate sensing and perception systems for autonomous and driver-assistance applications.
Responsibilities may include developing and testing ROS2 software for thermal imaging sensors; integrating cameras and embedded computing hardware with an autonomous vehicle research platform; collecting, organizing, and processing thermal imagery; implementing traditional computer vision algorithms for lane detection; assisting with the development and training of artificial intelligence and machine learning models; labeling and curating image datasets; and evaluating algorithm performance under varying environmental and lighting conditions.
The student will also assist with experimental testing, troubleshooting hardware and software systems, analyzing research data, documenting procedures and results, and preparing technical materials for research presentations, posters, conference papers, and other scholarly publications.
The position provides hands-on experience in autonomous systems, computer vision, embedded computing, ROS2, artificial intelligence, and engineering research.
Work will be performed under faculty supervision with increasing opportunities for independent technical work as the student gains experience.
Minimum Qualifications:
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related engineering or computing discipline.
Junior or senior standing, or equivalent technical preparation.
Completed coursework or demonstrated experience in programming and engineering problem solving.
Basic programming experience in C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or a similar technical programming language.
Basic understanding of electrical, computer, robotics, or embedded systems.
Ability to work with computer hardware and software in a laboratory environment.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and document experimental data.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively under faculty supervision.
Ability to communicate technical information through written documentation and oral presentations.
Willingness to learn new hardware, software, programming tools, and research methods as required by the project.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (if any):
Knowledge of basic programming concepts and software development.
Knowledge of fundamental electrical, computer, robotics, or embedded-system concepts.
Familiarity with Linux-based computing environments.
Familiarity with C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or related engineering programming tools.
Ability to learn and use ROS2 for sensor interfacing, data acquisition, system integration, and experimental testing.
Ability to interface cameras, sensors, embedded computers, and other hardware used in autonomous vehicle research.
Ability to implement and evaluate basic image-processing and computer-vision algorithms.
Ability to learn and apply artificial intelligence and machine-learning methods for image-based detection.
Ability to collect, label, organize, process, and analyze image datasets.
Ability to evaluate system and algorithm performance using quantitative measurements.
Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, communication, and system-integration problems.
Ability to conduct structured experiments and maintain accurate records of procedures, configurations, and results.
Ability to analyze experimental results and communicate technical findings clearly.
Ability to prepare technical documentation, figures, posters, presentations, and materials supporting scholarly publications.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
Ability to manage assigned research tasks and meet project deadlines.
Ability to learn unfamiliar technologies and progressively perform research tasks with greater independence.
Anticipated Schedule:
10 hours a week.
Job Contact:
Michael Santora – (313) 578-042 – santormj1@udmercy.edu
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Existing Student Employees who have worked in the past for UDM can use the link below to apply for the position.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The university seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds.