Laboratory Assistant, RUNE Lab

Position Overview:

The Robots for Unmanned Natural Exploration Lab (RUNE Lab) in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College is seeking a highly motivated and talented Laboratory Assistant to contribute to cutting-edge research in mobile field robotics. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Robin Hall alongside a multidisciplinary team of researchers to investigate underwater/aerial/terrestrial robotics, novel robotic manufacturing, and machine learning for unmanned deployment in complex environments. The position will also provide opportunities to explore other research areas of interest to the candidate.

Examples of Responsibilities:

• Execute research tasks defined in collaboration with Dr. Hall.
• Disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations.
• Provide mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students in the research group.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Robotics Engineering or related discipline. Graduate students near the completion of their master's program are welcome to apply.
• Successful candidates will have a strong background in mobile robotics. Experience with machine learning is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish in high-impact journals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative and student-centered academic community.
• Strong verbal/written communication skills are essential.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials through ADP:

• Cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in Merrimack College.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Research statement highlighting current work and future plans.
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Note: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Work Location

This is an on-campus position in North Andover, MA (approximately 20 miles north of the city of Boston). Occasional travel is required.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack's Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College's suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master's Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.