Assistant Project Scientist - Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist to support activities related to programs aimed at advancing foundational research and application development for autonomous systems. These activities are advancing solutions of autonomous systems, intelligent machines, and human-in-the-loop control for extreme robotics applications, including high performance algorithms for 3D perception, model predictive control, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and simulation and virtual reality.

They are also developing fast and robust autonomy solutions using the least complex models possible, including rapidly transferring these solutions to new platforms and between platforms and domains, including a design suite of rapid autonomy transfer tools, algorithms, and software for building same-day autonomy solutions with minimal fidelity/complexity models that are robust to performance specifications and are adaptable to various platforms and domains.

The Assistant Project Scientist will assist in researching the software stack modules for autonomous vehicle racing, including layers for perception, prediction and control. The work involves engineering support as part of research projects and programs, including the aiding in the design, construction, and testing of experimental systems. The successful candidate will help to support the establishment of performance specifications, and documentation.

Of particular interest is defining and creating a highly performant software stack for

autonomous vehicle racing capable of near-human performance on both oval and road course tracks under varying conditions and competitive scenarios. This software stack will be engineered to provide an environment for novel/distinct methods to be tested at high speed and in real conditions while constraining research methods to a safe operation envelope. The development, testing, and deployment work will support broader research goals of advancing capabilities that minimize gaps in simulation-to-real performance for various environments.

Project Management (30%): Assisting to ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Help in reviewing project progress, identify and aiding in the implementation of mitigation strategies. Participating in team collaboration to ensure successful execution of projects.

Simulation and Real Hardware-in-the-Loop Support (25%): With guidance and advice from supervisor, perform simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) activities. Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure the successful integration of simulation technologies.

Test and Evaluation (25%): Under supervision, assist in coordinating local testing and evaluation activities, including collaborating with external performers and collaborators and ensure the quality and reliability of testing procedures.

Cross-Team Coordination (10%): Help to facilitate effective collaboration between various teams and promote interdisciplinary communication and knowledge sharing.

Collaborator Interfacing and Sponsor Networking (10%): Being part of local team working with external collaborators to foster strong working relationships and facilitate communication between UC Berkeley and external organizations, collaborate with sponsors to support project deliverables, support networking activities to build connections within the field of robotics and racing, and identify fundraising opportunities to securing financial and in-kind resources.

Labor Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/contract.html

PhD or equivalent international degree

• PhD in engineering, computer science, or related/relevant field.
• Hands-on experience in software engineering for autonomous robotics and real-world
  applications of adversarial autonomous vehicles and/or academic robotics research.
• Experience with Development Operations (DevOps) in Continuous
  Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) and software test engineering.
• Applied experience with Robot Operating System 1 (ROS1) and ROS2, C++, MATLAB, Arduino, and Python in an autonomous robotics-related research capacity.
• Expertise with industry-leading simulation platforms, autonomy and sim-to-real
  challenges, and an aptitude for identifying opportunities for enhancement.
• Project management experience, preferably in an academic research setting, and
  general software engineering experience, with a preference for a background in
  development and test engineering.
• Experience with collaborative research initiatives across multiple organizations,
  involving aspects such as recruiting, logistics, and internal collaboration projects.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex technical projects, showcasing an ability to navigate challenges and drive results.

• 3 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment