The temporary Research Assistant will be part of Computer Science Vanderbilt University. Responsibilities will include designing and developing robust AI systems, enhancing and optimizing robust representation learning techniques, programming/scripting for data analysis and data management, contributing to cutting-edge research studies and publications, and assisting with general laboratory operations.

About the Work Unit:
Computer scientists are actively involved in developing breakthrough technologies from software for mobile devices to artificial intelligence and machine learning and from cybersecurity to smart healthcare systems that transform every aspect of our lives. The Computer Science department offers an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science. At the graduate level, we offer M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs in computer science. Our undergraduate and graduate curricula are constantly refined to meet real-world demands and today's rapid changes in technology with a goal to provide students with the skills required for addressing the challenges of the 21st century. Prevalent throughout the department is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research to enhance the exchange of ideas.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Research Documentation/Project Tracking - 45% 
• Track deliverables against the schedule 
• Monthly tracking of overall program(s) and projects, including working with the contract/grants teams to capture and understand deliverables 
• Assist with management post-award compliance including sub award and sub-contract monitoring as needed to meet government regulatory guidelines 
• Design, format and organize reports and presentations 
• Perform literature searches 

Research Compliance/Documentation – 40 % 
• Assist PI in preparing and assembling materials in compliance with sponsor, University, and federal guidelines and deadlines 
• Facilitate document distribution and review for team research, including major projects and report development, including participating as an active reviewer
• Maintain and track documents (including but not limited to statements of work, progress reports, IRB, compliance, etc.) using an online document management system (e.g., Vanderbilt Box)

Research Coordination – 10% 
• Facilitate coordination between the Principal Investigator, VU, VUMC, and VUSE contracts/grants staff 
• Organize project meetings and monitor project progress, including developing agendas and performing meeting logistics
• Facilitate PI review and approval of deliverables 

Other tasks as assigned - 5%

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Professor.
Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, computational, or basic science field is required by the start of the position

Experience and Skills:
• Proficiency in robust deep representation learning 
• In-depth understanding of adversarial attacks and robust defenses in artificial intelligence 
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills are strongly preferred 
• Applicant should be reliable, honest, highly organized, and independent; should be detail-oriented and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills 
• Experience with advanced software development, AI modeling, and/or systems engineering 
• Ability to design, implement, test, document, and maintain robust AI software 
• Ability to understand and design complex AI systems, translating that understanding to physical, simulation, and analysis models 
• Solid programming skills, with proficiency in Python and PyTorch strongly preferred 
• Applicant should demonstrate responsiveness to feedback and challenges 
• Experience with Unix/Linux is also preferred to facilitate robust data management 
• Responsiveness and clear, prompt communication are essential

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.