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Programming Research Assistant Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Montana State University

Research Scientist

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$65K/yr

... or Research Engineers Working Title Research Scientist Brief Position Overview The Center for ... Contribute knowledge and expertise to assist, engage, and empower individuals, communities, and/or ...

Klj-Engineering

Transmission Engineer II

Billings, MT · On-site

... research, detail engineering and support of transmission line projects (generally 69,000 volts to 500,000 volts) from conceptual design through construction. * Assist with verifying the ...

Uofl

... Assistant Professor (Term) position (non-tenure track), beginning in Spring 2027. This position ... research university. Ideal candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering ...

KLJ Engineering LLC

Aviation Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

Perform professional aviation engineering work and assist with conducting investigations and ... Research databases regarding historical property land uses. * Prepare data and visualizations such ...

KLJ Engineering LLC

Aviation Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Perform professional aviation engineering work and assist with conducting investigations and ... Research databases regarding historical property land uses. * Prepare data and visualizations such ...

KLJ Engineering LLC

Aviation Engineer

Helena, MT

Perform professional aviation engineering work and assist with conducting investigations and ... Research databases regarding historical property land uses. * Prepare data and visualizations such ...

Express Employment

Engineer

Missoula, MT

$85K - $145K/yr

Support CNC layout and programming activities as needed * Provide technical guidance to production teams to improve efficiency and product quality Continuous Improvement & Innovation * Research and ...

Express Employment

Engineer

Missoula, MT · On-site

$85K - $145K/yr

Support CNC layout and programming activities as needed * Provide technical guidance to production teams to improve efficiency and product quality Continuous Improvement & Innovation * Research and ...

Begell House Inc.

Engineer

Missoula, MT · On-site

$85K - $145K/yr

... * Assist with CNC programming and manufacturing layouts as needed. Process Improvement * Research and develop new manufacturing methods and tooling solutions. * Identify opportunities to improve ...

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Programming Research Assistant information

What is a programming research assistant?

Programming Research Assistants are individuals who support academic or professional research projects by developing, testing, and maintaining computer programs and scripts. They collaborate with researchers to implement algorithms, perform data analysis, and automate research workflows. Their work is essential for handling large datasets, running simulations, and ensuring that research-related code is efficient and reproducible. Often, they are students or early-career professionals with strong programming and analytical skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a programming research assistant?

To thrive as a Programming Research Assistant, you typically need strong programming skills (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), a background in computer science or a related field, and familiarity with research methodologies. Experience with data analysis tools, version control systems like Git, and possibly specific research software is highly valued. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with research teams. These competencies ensure accurate data handling, reliable research outcomes, and efficient team collaboration in research projects.

What challenges do programming research assistants face?

Programming Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving project requirements, managing large and complex datasets, and debugging experimental code under tight deadlines. Collaboration with researchers and other team members requires strong communication skills, especially when translating technical findings into accessible results. Staying current with new programming tools and research methodologies is also essential to contribute effectively to cutting-edge projects.

What is the difference between Programming Research Assistant vs Data Analyst?

AspectProgramming Research AssistantData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, finance, healthcare, and other industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, tech firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies

The Programming Research Assistant and Data Analyst roles share a focus on data and programming skills, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. However, Programming Research Assistants typically work in research settings with a focus on developing algorithms and software, while Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles are essential in data-driven environments but serve different primary functions.

What cities in Montana are hiring for Programming Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Montana with the most Programming Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Programming Research Assistant job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Political Science and Systems Engineering

Bozeman, MT • On-site

Montana State University
Education • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Montana State Universityexternal

$65K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct interdisciplinary research on energy justice, governance, and community resilience in cyber-physical energy systems.

  • Design and implement social science measures for digital twin applications and analyze socio-technical datasets to evaluate energy equity outcomes.

  • Develop and execute community engagement strategies, facilitate participatory workshops, and translate research findings for stakeholders.

Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26364
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dr. Xin Han
Assistant Professor
xin.han1@montana.edu
Classification Title
Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Political Science and Systems Engineering
Brief Position Overview
Join an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship at Montana State University, in collaboration with engineering and political science faculty, to implement an existing research program defined in the DigiCARES strategic plan that advances justice-enhanced resilience in next-generation energy system digital twins. The position offers hands-on research using real-world utility data and community partners to support an equitable, data-driven energy transformation.
Position Number
4C0585
Department
Political Science
Division
College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type
Research Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
$65,000 - $68,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is an interdisciplinary fellowship at Montana State University, supported by the NSF-funded DigiCARES project, which advances AI-driven digital twins for climate-aware and community-centered energy resilience. The fellow will implement a research program established in the NSF DigiCARES project strategic plan, contributing to defined milestones and deliverables while working at the intersection of engineering, data science, and social science to develop innovative approaches for next-generation energy infrastructure that integrate technical performance with community governance and equity-focused perspectives.
The appointment is jointly supported by engineering and political science faculty, creating a collaborative research environment that connects technological innovation with policy and public engagement. The fellow will conduct applied research using real-world utility data and community partnerships, gaining hands-on experience in cyber-physical energy systems, resilience analytics, and interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal challenges.
NSF award number 2418359
Duties and Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research on energy justice, governance, and community resilience in cyber-physical energy systems.
  • Design and implement social science measures (procedural, recognition, and distributive justice) for digital twin applications.
  • Conduct quantitative and mixed methods research with rural cooperatives and community stakeholders to assess energy equity impacts.
  • Analyze socio-technical datasets and policy indicators to evaluate equity outcomes in energy planning and operations.
  • Execute defined research tasks and deliverables specified in the DigiCARES strategic plan, including milestones related to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Community Engagement & Translation
  • Develop and execute community engagement strategies, integrating local knowledge into energy system decision-making and model validation.
  • Facilitate participatory workshops and present research findings to community energy committees and partner organizations.
  • Translate complex technical energy analytics into accessible insights for policymakers, utilities, and community stakeholders.

Publication & Mentorship
  • Prepare and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and policy briefs focused on justice-enhanced energy systems.
  • Mentor master's and doctoral students, offering training, seminars, collaborative research opportunities, and methodological guidance in interdisciplinary energy resilience research.
  • Present research findings at academic conferences and project meetings, and assist with proposal and grant-related activities.

Project Support
  • Support project coordination, grant reporting, and dissemination activities as part of the NSF DigiCARES research initiative, including implementing strategic-plan research tasks and associated reporting deliverables.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Ph.D. in political science, public policy, economics, engineering, or a closely related field with a preferred research focus on energy systems, resilience, or socio-technical infrastructure.
  2. Strong research skills and demonstrated interest in topics such as:
    • Artificial intelligence & technology governance
    • Rural co-op governance and community resilience
    • Energy policy, energy justice, energy poverty, and energy security
  3. Prior experience in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
  4. Technical competence in data analytics, programming, or modeling using tools such as Python, R, GIS, or similar computational platforms.
  5. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and translate technical and social science insights into scholarly publications and policy-relevant outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Experience conducting field-based research with utilities, rural cooperatives, community organizations, or government agencies on energy or infrastructure issues.
  2. Background in digital twin platforms, cyber-physical systems, or energy system modeling and optimization.
  3. Familiarity with large-scale energy or socio-technical datasets, including AMI, SCADA, outage records, or public equity indicators.
  4. Prior success in interdisciplinary research teams and in developing externally funded research proposals.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering and social science disciplines.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities, including managing multiple tasks and research timelines.
  • Capacity to engage respectfully and productively with community stakeholders and partners from all backgrounds.
  • Clear written and oral communication skills for translating complex research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Required Application Documents:
  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Cover Letter (max 3 pages)
  3. Research Statement (max 3 pages)
  4. Sample Publication

Applicants will be required to list three references during the application process.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position is filled.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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