Research Assistant - Human Robot Interaction

Help Shape the Future of Human-Robot Collaboration!

Are you passionate about robotics, human behavior, and emerging technology? Do you enjoy hands-on research, solving technical challenges, and understanding how people interact with intelligent systems?

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join an innovative Human Aware Interaction Learning (HAIL) team focused on advancing how humans and robots interact in real-world environments.

This exciting opportunity combines human-subject research, hands-on robotics, experimental design, and data analysis. You'll work directly with research participants and robotic systems, including mobile robots, robotic arms, and four-legged robots, to help develop safer, smarter, and more intuitive human-robot interactions.

If you thrive in a collaborative research environment and enjoy a mix of technical problem-solving, participant interaction, and analytical work, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

Lead and Support Human-Robot Research Studies

• Assist in designing, preparing, and executing in-person human-robot interaction experiments.
• Conduct user studies in office, laboratory, and field environments.
• Coordinate study schedules, participant recruitment, research materials, and daily logistics.
• Develop research protocols, questionnaires, interviews, and experimental materials.
• Create research stimuli, including videos, animations, and physical mockups.

Work Hands-On with Robotics & Technology

• Set up and operate robotic systems during live research studies.
• Support experiments involving mobile robots, robotic arms, and other robotic platforms.
• Troubleshoot technical issues independently to keep experiments running smoothly.
• Adapt quickly to unexpected challenges in dynamic research environments.

Engage with Research Participants

• Guide participants through experiments, surveys, and interviews.
• Create a welcoming, comfortable, and professional research experience.
• Communicate clearly with participants from diverse backgrounds, including older adults.
• Ensure research protocols are followed while maintaining accurate study documentation.

Analyze Data & Deliver Insights

• Collect, organize, and analyze quantitative research data using Python, R, SPSS, or similar tools.
• Identify patterns, interpret findings, and help translate research results into actionable insights.
• Support qualitative data coding and categorization.
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to research reports.
• Maintain organized research records, datasets, and study documentation.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Factors, Human-Robot Interaction, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Robotics, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Hands-on experience participating in or conducting at least one in-person human-subject research study, including academic research, an honors thesis, a master's thesis, or professional research.
• Experience collecting, managing, or analyzing quantitative research data.
• Proficiency with Python or experience using another analytical programming language, such as R or SPSS, with a willingness to learn Python.
• Experience working in an academic research or laboratory environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and participant-facing skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical equipment or systems independently during live experiments.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple research activities.

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Previous experience working with robotic systems, mobile robots, robotic arms, quadruped robots, or autonomous platforms.
• Experience conducting human-robot interaction or human factors research.
• Familiarity with survey design, experimental randomization, and survey logic.
• Experience analyzing qualitative research data, including coding and identifying themes.
• Strong Python skills for statistical analysis and research reporting.
• Experience supporting research involving older adult participants.
• A friendly, empathetic, patient, and adaptable approach to working with people.
• Confidence troubleshooting technical challenges in real time.

Why This Opportunity Is Exciting

• Work with emerging robotics technology: Gain hands-on exposure to advanced robotic platforms and human-centered research.
• Make a real impact: Help shape how people and intelligent robotic systems interact.
• Expand your research expertise: Build valuable experience in experimental design, participant studies, robotics operations, and data analysis.
• Enjoy variety in your work: Split your time between hands-on experiments, participant interaction, technical troubleshooting, and research analysis.
• Collaborate with innovative researchers: Contribute to meaningful research at the intersection of robotics, psychology, and human behavior.

Pay Rate: $48 - $55 per hour

Location: 100% Onsite, Cambridge, MA

12-month contract with option to renew

Ready to Help Shape the Future of Robotics?

Whether your background is in human factors, psychology, cognitive science, robotics, or academic research, this is an opportunity to apply your skills to cutting-edge human-robot interaction studies.

If you have hands-on human-subject research experience, enjoy working with people, and are excited about robotics, we encourage you to apply!