Research Assistant - Human Robot Interaction

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Benefits

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!