Research Associate III - Center for Autonomous Robotic Surgery

Dr. Andrew Hung is seeking an experienced RA III to join his team!

The Research Associate III will provide the clinical expertise necessary to ensure that data used to develop and train automated robotic systems remains clinically relevant, accurate, and grounded in real-world surgical practice. This role will serve as a critical bridge between surgical expertise, research, and machine learning development.

Under general guidance, the Administrative Research Associate III works closely with PI, providing technical and/or administrative support in large or multi-project oriented labs. May be requested by PI to take on specific supervisory activities, and provide administrative leadership, and/or technical expertise. May develop hypothesis and assist in planning steps for the investigative process. Will review and remain current on literature as it relates to clinical/research study. Coordinates all lab and/or clinical activities, including but not limited to, budgetary/financial compliance, preparation of grant proposals, and creating independent presentations. Not responsible for generating grant funds.

Provides miscellaneous clinical/research support (ad hoc data analysis, hypothesis development, programming, troubleshooting, etc.).

Organizes clinical/research trials in conjunction with the Principal Investigator and sponsor and/or funding source.

Monitors and ensures compliance with safety standards and procedures.

Analyzes data and prepares scientific findings for publication as author or co-author.

May make independent presentations.

May provide system administration and maintenance for the local workstation network.

Leads and trains Research Lab Assistants, Research Fellow, lower level Research Associates, and other related support staff and may be requested by PI to take on specific supervisory activities.

Orients new Research Fellows and/or Research Scientists to day-to-day lab operations and procedures.

Department Specific Responsibilities:

Provide clinical and surgical perspective to guide the collection, interpretation, and use of data for robotic and automated surgical systems.

Ensure annotations and research outputs accurately reflect surgical anatomy, procedural workflows, techniques, instrumentation, and clinically meaningful events.

Collaborate with engineering, machine learning, robotics, and research teams to translate surgical knowledge into structured datasets and research objectives.

Support the development and validation of annotation standards, workflows, protocols, and quality-control processes.

Mentor students and interns involved in data annotation and research activities, providing guidance and quality oversight.

Contribute to continuous improvement of research processes and methodologies as robotic and machine learning capabilities evolve.