Research Intern, Assistive Agents - School of Computer Science - LTI

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Language Technologies Institute (LTI) at Carnegie Mellon University is a world-renowned research and education hub at the forefront of natural language processing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. Established within the School of Computer Science, LTI pioneers innovative approaches to understanding, processing, and generating human language in both written and spoken forms.

LTI is seeking aResearch Intern to design user-centered interaction strategies for an interactive assistive agent that helps people with daily activities over extended time periods. The intern implements those strategies, runs human-subject studies to test them, and analyzes the resulting data. This is a full-time, onsite position in Pittsburgh running from November 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.

Core Responsibilities

• Design user-centered interaction strategies for an assistive agent that supports people with daily activities.
• Implement those strategies in an interactive agent and test them with users over extended time periods.
• Design and run human-subject studies under approved IRB protocols to evaluate the agent.
• Analyze study data to assess agent performance and participant experience, and revise the interaction design accordingly.
• Present results at internal meetings and at conferences.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in computer science, psychology, human-computer interaction, or related field required.
• Research experience in HCI, robotics, or AI/ML, including support for human-subject studies.
• Understanding of AI/ML including Generative AI
• Basic proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python)
• Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, ART)
• Familiarity with human subject studies and IRB protocols
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills necessary.
• Willingness to travel to conferences and similar events.
• Able to work onsite in Pittsburgh, full-time from 11/1/2026-3/31/2027.
• A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits includingcomprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insuranceas well as a generousretirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential withtuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with amplepaid time off and observedholidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to ourFamily Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs,fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore ourBenefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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More Information: 

• Please visit“Why Carnegie Mellon”to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Clickhere to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal OpportunityEmployer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance