Description

Job Summary

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) College of Engineering Technology (CET), Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management, and Safety (CETEMS) is inviting applications for a Research Associate position. The start date of these positions is negotiable and can be as early as May 2026, but no later than October, 2026.
The responsibility of the Research Associate position includes for the following functions:

• Performing and conducting scientific/engineering tests, experiments, surveys and/or programming
• Data entry, observation, collection, and/or organization
• Prescribed analysis and interpretation of collected data, and produces reports supporting analysis
• Maintain and operate lab equipment and space in support of research/engineering projects
• A small portion of the job may perform duties in the Researcher/Engineer track.

Job Responsibilities

Summary: Provides limited, routine, and repetitive technical and non-technical support for a research/engineering project, team, lab, or facility requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria. Non routine decision making relies heavily on consultation with supervisor. Receives detailed instructions on all new work assignments. Works under close supervision and demonstrates independence as duties are learned. Duties are routine and structured. Follows protocols with little to no deviation. Solves repetitive problems.

Typical Functions:

• Assist researchers/engineers with routine and repetitive tests, experiments, measurements, surveys, and/or programming under close technical supervision.
• Supports research/engineering function by performing basic tasks in the operation and maintenance of research/engineering instrumentation and equipment.
• Cleans research/engineering equipment and instruments.
• Maintains logs, records, and databases.
• Assists in gathering and entering data using routine techniques and methods.
• Validates data.
• Observes conditions and identifies and reports concerns or changes to senior staff or faculty.
• Maintains inventories and requisitions supplies for assigned areas.
• Assist with research/engineering work including labeling, preliminary sorting, measuring, processing and shipping samples.

May train students on proper use of equipment and basic procedures.
May present a written report on the data collected or results of experiments, tests, surveys, programming, etc, or provide data for use in other manuscripts or reports.
May produce charts and graphs to display trends in data. Performs routine library work, including finding literature and copying articles.
May provide administrative support for research/engineering activities such as ordering research supplies, maintaining inventory, receiving and stocking research/engineering supplies, tracking repairs, etc.
May pick up and deliver equipment and supplies and ensure proper removal of hazardous waste.
Participate in research team meetings to discuss project progress and findings.

The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work under the supervision of a CET faculty member. The position is renewable annually depending upon funding availability and performance. The position also carries the following responsibilities.

• Prepare research proposals
• Conduct research and publish
• Assist in laboratory and field testing
• Assist in students mentoring
• Assist in outreach and data collection activities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Basic knowledge to perform simple repetitive tasks related to a scientific or engineering field. Basic knowledge of laboratory/research/engineering techniques, equipment and terminology. Basic skills and abilities including use of simple hand tools, power tools, heavy machinery or other equipment. Basic to intermediate math, reading and writing skills. Basic knowledge to perform simple repetitive tasks related to a scientific or engineering field. Ability to effectively communicate.

Required Qualifications

Education/Experience:
Associate's degree in a related field and one year of related experience OR combination of related experience and education may be considered.

Successful applicants will have experience or degree(s) in one of the following areas.

• Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
• Gas and air emission monitoring
• Information technology and database development
• Web programming and mobile App development
• Artificial Intelligence, natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning
• Connected and autonomous vehicles
• Disaster and natural Hazard assessment and management
• Discrete element method (DEM) and finite element methods (FEM)
• Geographical information system (GIS)
• Geogame and digital twin with Unity or Omniverse
• Global positioning system (GPS), GNSS and IMU
• Image processing and computer vision
• Asphalt binder modification, asphalt mixture design and pavement performance
• Asphalt pavement constitutive model and multi-physics simulation
• Geopolymer and novel construction materials
• High-speed train dynamics and simulation
• Operations research, optimization, network programming and routing
• Optical metrology for surface texturing and imaging
• Remote sensing and photogrammetry
• Drone mapping
• Surveying with total station
• LiDAR and Optical mapping
• Digital image correlation (DIC)
• Structural health monitoring (SHM)
• Nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDE)
• Transportation safety
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree
• Effective writing and communication skills
• Strong publication record
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work with undergraduate and graduate research students
• Strong background in laboratory experiment or numerical computation
• Familiar with Matlab, C++, Python, Java, or other programming language
• Proficient in one of the software packages: PFC, VISSIM, ABQUS, COMSOL, MOOSE, LS-DYNA, optimization, TensorFlow, SAS, R, optical modeling

Department/College Description

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.