The Discovery Partners Institute provides a platform for people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with local and global research universities, DPI does three things: tech talent development, applied R&D, and business development. DPI prepares students and workers to step into high-demand tech jobs. It also builds research teams helps them to identify and pursue new funding opportunities. With state investment and a new urban innovation district in development just south of the Chicago Loop, DPI has the resources to attract, develop and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer - and keep them here.

DPI invites nominations and applications for the position of Research Associate/Senior Research Associate. This role offers an opportunity to help shape and drive one of DPI's core missions: Research & Development (R&D). They are expected to participate in research project design, development and execution through the production of independent research and by taking ownership of sub-projects within large multi-faceted R&D efforts. They should provide creative ideas and direction for their assigned projects and are expected to take initiative. Topics for research will vary but will be primarily related to computing and may include a range of approaches including AI/ML, IoT, cloud-based computing, statistics, simulations, and cybersecurity. DPI is especially interested in supporting research that is grounded in practice and has commercialization potential.

Research Associates must demonstrate independence in executing a particular research effort. They must be familiar with data collection, data analysis, programming (one or more languages), have subject-matter expertise in one or more areas, and have good verbal and written communication abilities necessary to produce scholarly work in scientific conferences as well as produce results that meet the professional demands of the industrial sectors. Research Associates are expected to work closely with both our internal R&D team members as well as collaborators in University of Illinois and with other DPI partner institutions.

Additional responsibilities included:

• Perform original research resulting in principles and methods, as well as development tools and artifacts and other forms of intellectual property, and document them in scientific publications
• Help to prepare research proposals to federal, state, non-profits, and industry partners
• Work collaboratively with DPI Research Scientists, staff, and external researchers to produce independent research.
• Plan, coordinate, implement and perform research using scientific methodologies in an efficient and ethical manner
• Additional duties as required

Qualifications:

• Candidates must possess a minimum of an M.S. degree or equivalent in a computing related field. A Ph.D. is preferred. Candidates that are closer to completion ("all but dissertation") are encouraged to send inquiries or apply.
• Minimum of two years of experience in performing research in a university or corporate research lab for Research Associates. Minimum of four years of experience for Senior Research Associates.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Expertise in basic scientific methodology, data collection, and analysis
• Proficient with one or more programming languages
• The candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of a particular research area in computing with relevant publication experience
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication abilities
• Possess and apply advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
• Experience in participating in externally funded research projects preferred.
• Work well in a dynamic start-up like environment.

Appointment Information This is a full-time, 12-month Academic Professional position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information For full consideration, candidates must apply and submit a letter of application, resume, and names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references by 6pm 2/28/2023 by visiting http://hr.uillinois.edu/employment.