TERM Research Assistant, Institute for Software Integrated Systems

The Research Assistant is part of the Institute for Software Integrated Systems at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for assisting with the development and maintenance of discipline-specific software systems and/or engineering tools to support project and research goals.

This position assists with engineering and/or software design, implementation, analysis, maintenance, and experimentation as directed by the Principal Investigator. Reporting directly to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate regularly collaborates with a team including but not limited to Research Engineers, Research Scientists, and System Architects to accomplish project-specific goals.

About the Work Unit:

The Institute for Software Integrated Systems conducts basic and applied research in the area of systems and information science and engineering. Applications of its technology span a wide range of software intensive systems from small embedded devices, through real-time distributed systems, to globally deployed complex systems. Software is increasingly essential to the functions of these systems, and it is also the primary means of adapting them to their environments and users. Our research interests lie in the theoretical foundations, modeling, design, engineering, and educational aspects of these systems.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Research and Development: 60%

• Assist with modeling and analysis of discipline-specific engineering problems.
• Assist with cloud development, deployment and integration of developed AI applications.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of discipline-specific software systems and/or engineering tools to support project and research goals.
• Perform engineering and/or software design, implementation, analysis, maintenance, or experimentation as directed by Principal Investigator and lead Engineers.

Communication: 20%

• Prepare technical documentation for work products of project.
• Maintain familiarity with and expertise in emerging technologies and techniques related to project and research goals.
• Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with Principal Investigator, System Architect, and research team.
• Adhere to existing technical standards and recommend or develop new standards, as applicable.

Collaboration: 20%

• Provide data to assist in evaluation of project research direction and progress, providing input on solutions as necessary.
• Deliver technical progress reports/presentations in written and/or oral form to project research staff and faculty.
• Share research knowledge, product, and processes with Principal Investigator, System Architect, and research team.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

The following skills are necessary:

• Experience with cloud computing and machine learning technologies is necessary.
• Established skills in software system development, modeling, and/or systems engineering is necessary.
• Ability to design, implement, test, document, and maintain software is necessary.
• Ability to quickly learn ISIS tools and technologies and becomes a productive project contributor is necessary.
• Practical knowledge of software development tools, programming languages (e.g., C/C++, Java, Python, Matlab, C#, among others), databases, and web technologies, as needed by project is necessary.
• Experience with state-of-the-art software development environments (e.g. Eclipse), tools (e.g. git), and collaborative environments (e.g. GitHub) is necessary.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.