Research Specialist I

Job Title

Research Specialist I

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Department Of Computer Science

Proposed Minimum Salary

$3,562.34 monthly

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Specialist to join our interdisciplinary team focused on applying machine learning (ML) techniques to different fields of science, especially to materials science. In this role, you will play a central part in developing, implementing, and optimizing ML models to analyze experimental and computational data related to material properties, synthesis, and performance. You will contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at accelerating materials discovery and innovation. The position will involve image processing and familiarity with ML tools related to image processing are preferred.

This position is also responsible for conducting machine learning research on provided datasets, including data cleaning and preprocessing through data engineering techniques, exploring and evaluating new algorithms, and developing custom tools to support novel applications in materials science. The Research Specialist will assist in the creation of intellectual property, with the potential to be involved in drafting new patent applications based on research outcomes. Additional responsibilities may include supervising undergraduate and graduate students, assisting with the preparation and submission of research proposals and manuscripts, and training new team members in machine learning tools, computational workflows, and scientific research methodologies.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  

Responsibilities:

• Applying machine learning algorithms to analyze data from simulations, experiments, and materials databases, and contributing to developing computational resources, software libraries, and data repositories in the image processing and machine learning domain

• Developing and optimizing ML pipelines for materials property prediction, structure-property relationships, and inverse design

• Processing and curating datasets, ensuring quality, consistency, and usability

• Maintaining detailed documentation of research methods, models, and findings.

• Assisting PI in undergraduate and graduate students supervision and training

• Potentially assisting with the preparation and submission of research proposals, manuscripts and possibly patents by providing supportive documents and results

• Participate in departmental or college-wide events, committees, and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, materials science, data science or a related field.

• Four years of relevant experience in research or technical roles applying data analysis or machine learning.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in a related field (e.g., Materials Informatics, Computational Materials Science, Data Science, or Applied Physics).

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in applying ML to scientific research or engineering problems.

• Experience with high-performance computing environments and version control (e.g., Git).

• A record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications or successful funding proposals.

• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with ML libraries such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

• Understanding of materials science principles and common datasets or simulation tools (e.g., Materials Project, VASP, DFT outputs) is highly desirable.

• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Experience managing data pipelines, performing statistical analysis, and visualizing scientific results.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects. Ability to exert heavy force.

• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

Job Posting Close Date:  

• Until Filled

 

Required Attachments: 

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box.  Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional. 

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 

• Cover Letter 

 

Application Submission Guidelines:  

 

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site. 

 

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process. 

 

Background Check Requirements: 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.