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This Part-Time Research Assistant 1 position is based in Prof. Jeremy Cooperstock’s research lab in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Job Summary
The Research Assistant assists the research team in conducting research projects for the IMAGE project (https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca) in McGill’s Shared Reality Lab and, as required, is responsible for the functional supervision of Undergraduate/Graduate Research Assistants.
Under the supervision of the Research Supervisor and under the technical guidance of senior team members, conducts research and development activities using established protocols, processes, and procedures within the IMAGE platform and its deployment ecosystem.
Key Deliverables Under Current Funding
Contribute to the design and development of textbook diagram experiences for users of the Monarch Android pin array tablet in collaboration with Humanware, including real-world deployment of the IMAGE platform.
Support adoption of IMAGE by external groups by contributing to development, deployment, and technical enablement activities.
Responsibilities
- Under the supervision of the Research Supervisor and with technical guidance from senior research staff, contributes to research and development activities supporting the IMAGE platform and related systems, following established protocols, processes, and methodologies.
- Executes experimental and developmental activities, including maintaining and improving the IMAGE platform through systematic bug identification, security updates, testing procedures, and the implementation of new features across client and server environments.
- Conducts research-driven system integration and prototyping, including the development and evaluation of agentic systems leveraging state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs), and supports experimental deployments and validation processes.
- Maintains and operates research and production environments, including machine learning infrastructure and associated system components, ensuring reliability for ongoing experimental and analytical work.
- Compiles, analyzes, and interprets system performance and usage data to support ongoing research objectives, assess system behaviour, and inform iterative improvements.
- Implements recommended improvements to existing research methods, system architectures, deployment processes, and overall platform performance, based on empirical findings and testing outcomes.
- Contributes to the planning and preparation of research and technical documentation, including experimental design materials, system documentation, and reporting outputs.
- Supports and may provide guidance to junior research contributors, including students and developers, in the execution of assigned research and development activities.
- Participates in the dissemination of research findings, including the preparation of technical reports, documentation, and other knowledge translation materials.
- Performs related administrative and coordination tasks in support of research project activities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in software engineering or related field
2+ years of software development experience writing code that has been deployed into production for real-world use. (examples required)
Hands-on experience selecting, integrating, and deploying LLM-based solutions
Software architecture, design, and documentation, including creating usable solutions when working with less technical designers and HCI practitioners
Strong proficiency in server-side languages such as NodeJS or Python
Frontend Web development, e.g.,Typescript/HTML/CSS/Javascript
Linux command line and scripting
Familiar with (or able to quickly learn) Docker, containerization, client/server design
Git, and Github flow method of raising and merging pull requests
Chrome browser extension development and deployment
JSON schema definition and use
Mentoring junior designers/developers
General Requirements
Quebec resident (mandatory), able to work on-site at McGill downtown Montreal campus at least one day/week
Fluent English
Bonus: Experience writing conference and journal papers and presenting results in academic venues
Bonus: French (spoken and/or written)
Bonus: Experience working with the blind/low vision community
If you match a number of these, please apply since we can assist you with coming up to speed in some areas. We welcome applications from people who are blind or low vision, with lived experience.
Application Details:
To complete your application, please submit your materials via Workday, including:
1. A brief letter of application, describing your qualifications and relevant experience to the position of interest, along with your dates of availability.
2. Detailed CV with links to online papers and/or project portfolios.
3. Two (2) reference letters.
About us: The Shared Reality Lab conducts research in audio, video, and haptic technologies, building systems that leverage their capabilities to facilitate and enrich both human-computer and computer-mediated human-human interaction. The lab is part of the Centre for Intelligent Machines and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of McGill University. McGill, one of Canada's most prestigious universities, is located in Montreal, a top city to live in, especially for students.
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.
Hourly Salary:
Hours per Week:
Location:
Supervisor:
Position Start Date:
Position End Date:
Deadline to Apply:
This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in software engineering or related field
- 2+ years of software development experience writing code deployed in production
- Hands-on experience with LLM-based solutions
- Proficiency in server-side languages like NodeJS or Python
- Frontend Web development skills (Typescript/HTML/CSS/Javascript)
- Linux command line and scripting
- Familiarity or ability to learn Docker and containerization
- Experience with Git and Github flow
- Chrome browser extension development experience
- JSON schema definition and use
- Mentoring junior designers/developers
What We Do
McGill University is a public research university with extensive research activities across various engineering disciplines, including civil and materials engineering, focusing on areas like construction materials and advanced manufacturing.
