Research Associate

Location:
Description
Open Date:
WELCOME TO CLEMSON
Clemson is you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Job Summary
The Research Specialist will support the SCDOT Data-Driven Decision-Making (D3M) project by assisting with the development, training, and evaluation of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that predict project scope, cost, and consultant requirements using SCDOT's historical data. This role will help design data structures, clean and organize large datasets, and implement supervised learning techniques to improve the accuracy and functionality of the D3M tool. The position will also collaborate with the research team on algorithm development, software integration, and broader project tasks and perform other duties as assigned.

Job Duties
30% - Essential - Develop and implement AI/Maching Learning (ML) models. Design, train, and evaluate supervised learning models (e.g., ANN, KNN, CART, Random Forest, Boosting methods) to predict project scope, consultant man-hours, and cost estimates using SCDOT historical data.

20% - Essential - Create and manage project data structures. Build, refine, and maintain data schemas that integrate significant project variables, demographic factors, and cost elements to support model training and algorithmic decision-making.

20% - Essential - Acquire, organize, and clean large datasets. Collect contractual, scoping, and cost data from SCDOT sources; develop scripts to extract and preprocess relevant information; resolve formatting inconsistencies; and validate data accuracy.

20% - Essential - Assist with other AI-ML and computer coding of the lab as necessary.

10% - Essential - Software development and project integration. Assist with incorporating AI/ML outputs into the D3M tool's backend architecture, coordinate with SDI and IT stakeholders, and support testing, refinement, and documentation of system functionality.

Minimum Requirements
Education - Master's Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

Work Experience - 2+ years

Preferred Requirements
Education Area - Artificial Intelligence

Experience - AI reasoning & LLM development

Responsibilities
JOB KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

Supervisory Responsibilities
Acts as Lead - Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

Budgetary Responsibilities
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

Physical Requirements
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself

Working Conditions
No Work Conditions

Work Schedule
Standard Hrs: 37.5

Compensation Information
Expected Salary Range: ($47,600 - $60,000)

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Personnel Level
Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC

Application Deadline
December 23, 2025 at 11:59pm EST

Military And Veteran
MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email upon submission of your application.

Closing Statement
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.

Qualifications
Application Instructions
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