Job Description
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
College of Arts & SciencesTime Type:
Part timeJob Type:
Temporary (Fixed Term)FLSA Status:
Non-ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
ExcludedJob Description:
Summary:
The Part-Time Research Assistant is to advance the seed project described in Translating Research into Action at AU. The project is to build machine learning models to predict clinical trial phase transition outcome based on clinical trial textual protocol descriptions. The RA’s job objective is to write computer programs to develop computer softwares that can take the text data as input and build machine learning model to predict clinical trial outcomes. The RA is also expected to create methods to evaluate the developed models.
Essential Functions:
1.) Literature Search
The employee will research and read relevant literatures on this topic.
2.) Processing and Annotating Dataset
The employee will process and reproduce existing data and analyzing them.
They will also be expected to plot the data and validating its accuracy.
3.) Developing Machine Learning Models
The employee will develop computer softwares to build machine learning models.
The Employee will fine-tine pre-trained large language models to start with but will also experiment with other methods to train the model to generate more accurate results.
4.) Evaluating the Model with Data
The employee will evaluate the model they developed using novel data and a variety of metrics.
Based on the evaluation, the employee will further improve the models.
5.) Communicating, Archiving and Writing Results
The employee will write weekly progress report to the supervisor and help supervisor in writing manuscript for publications.
Competencies:
Displaying Creativity.
Thinking Broadly.
Displaying Creativity.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Part-Time.
27.5 hours per week.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Temporary position from June 2025 -September 2, 2025.
Salary Range:
$22 per hour.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Less than 1 year of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent.
1-3 years of relevant experience.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
A global center of study and service, American University features some of the most proficient scholars and offers a wealth of opportunities both locally and abroad. American University students have a reputation for being some of the most politically active students of any school in the nation. Considering that AU is located in Washington, D.C., it is certainly surrounded by many opportunities for such activity. However, the University itself also offers a wealth of centers, institutes and programs, such as the Center for Global Peace, the Center for Community Engagement and Service and the Women and Politics Institute, among many others. American University students pursue degrees in various academic areas. Offering more than 55 bachelor’s degrees, over 50 master’s degrees, a number of doctoral degrees and a J.D. program, AU offers students choices in six major schools or colleges. These include the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Public Affairs. Active throughout the community and the world, many AU students undertake internships. Also, AU Abroad, American University’s international study program, gives AU students the chance to study overseas. Through AU’s world-renowned Washington semester program, students from other states and countries frequently come to AU to study as well. With more than 140 countries and all 50 states represented by its student body, AU has no shortage of diversity. Faculty at AU are top performers in their fields. Many are policy makers, journalists, diplomats and leaders in the fields of science, business and the arts. Financial aid opportunities are extensive and include both forms of aid that need to be repaid such as loans and such sources as grants, scholarships and fellowships which do not. These awards are available to eligible students, and can be discussed with one of AU’s counselors.
