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Summer Computer Science Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon

Research Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Child Development, Education, Research/Scientific/Grants Department: Educational & Community Supports Rank: Research Assistant Annual Basis: 12 Month Review of Applications Begins August 2, 2026 ...

Research Assistant

Eugene, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Child Development, Education, Research/Scientific/Grants Department: Educational & Community Supports Rank: Research Assistant Annual Basis: 12 Month Review of Applications Begins August 2, 2026 ...

Showing results 21-40

Summer Computer Science Research Assistant information

What is a summer computer science research assistant?

Summer Computer Science Research Assistants are typically undergraduate or graduate students who work with faculty or research teams during the summer months to contribute to ongoing computer science research projects. Their responsibilities may include coding, data analysis, literature reviews, and helping to design or run experiments. This position offers hands-on experience in the research process and exposure to advanced topics in computer science. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate studies or careers in research and development. Assistants often gain valuable mentorship and may even co-author publications or present findings.

What types of projects do summer computer science research assistants typically work on, and how much independence can I expect in the role?

Summer Computer Science Research Assistants often contribute to ongoing faculty-led research projects, which may range from developing algorithms and analyzing datasets to building prototypes or conducting experiments in areas like machine learning or human-computer interaction. While you will receive guidance from a supervising researcher or graduate student, you are often encouraged to take initiative, propose ideas, and manage specific project tasks independently. The balance between supervision and independence will depend on the project's complexity, your experience level, and the research group's structure, but most programs aim to provide a supportive environment that fosters both learning and autonomy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer computer science research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Computer Science Research Assistant, you need a solid understanding of programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms, usually supported by coursework or a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with research tools, coding languages like Python or Java, and version control systems such as Git are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with researchers and present findings clearly. These skills are vital to contribute meaningfully to research projects, solve technical problems, and communicate results within a team environment.

What is the difference between Summer Computer Science Research Assistant vs Summer Data Science Intern?

AspectSummer Computer Science Research AssistantSummer Data Science Intern
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate in CS or related fieldUndergraduate or graduate in Data Science, Statistics, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research labs, university settingsCorporate, tech companies, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government labsTech firms, startups, data-driven companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Summer Computer Science Research Assistant typically focuses on academic research projects, often within university labs, emphasizing theoretical and experimental computer science. In contrast, a Summer Data Science Intern usually works on practical data analysis, modeling, and business insights within industry settings. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their environments and objectives differ significantly.

How hard is it to get a job as a summer computer science research assistant?

Securing a summer computer science research assistant position typically requires strong programming skills, relevant coursework, and research experience or familiarity with tools like Python, Java, or data analysis. Competition can be high, so applicants with good academic records, relevant projects, and strong recommendations have better chances of being selected.

What do summer computer science research assistants do?

Summer computer science research assistants support ongoing research projects by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing software or algorithms. They often work closely with faculty or research teams, utilizing programming languages, tools, and methodologies relevant to their field, and typically gain hands-on experience in a research environment. Their tasks may include literature review, coding, testing, and documenting findings during the summer internship period.

What job categories do people searching Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Summer Computer Science Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Computer Science Research Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science - Open Pool

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pro Tem Research Assistant/Associate/Postdoc - Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science - Open Pool

Apply now Job no: 536511
Work type: Faculty - Pro Tempore
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Research/Scientific/Grants, Chemistry, Physics

Department: Rsch Ctr Optical Molec Quant Sci
Rank: Research Assistant, Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to a completed application, please submit
A current CV - must highlight research area of interest
Names and contact information for three professional references

Department Summary

The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ) is an interdisciplinary research center under the Vice President for Research and Innovation and seeks to promote and facilitate research and education in the sciences wherever optics, spectroscopy, quantum science, and the physical investigation of atomic and molecular processes are involved - in either fundamental aspects or technological applications. It provides administrative support and facilities to assist in carrying out scientific research, promotes scientific interactions amongst members and with the wider academic and industrial research and development communities. Researchers in the OMQ study the fundamental interactions between light and matter-leading to development of new technologies to control light and matter with extreme precision in a broad range of applications from enhanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and communications to quantum computing and sensing. Students-undergraduate, Master's and PhD-are involved in all aspects of research at the center. OMQ fosters a collegial and stimulating intellectual environment that promotes the advancement, dissemination, and application of scientific knowledge.

Position Summary

The Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science (OMQ) at the University of Oregon is seeking qualified applicants for its open research pool. Positions are limited-duration, funding-contingent research appointments that are full time, part-time or short term, contracts not to exceed one year. There is a possibility of renewal up to a total of three years, depending on program needs, funding, and performance. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Examples include research assistants, research associates, or postdoctoral scholars. Research assistants conduct research under the direction of a principal investigator; research associates conduct research with only general guidance; postdoctoral scholars conduct research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training: research associates conduct research with only general guidance. Successful candidates will have the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Minimum Requirements

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE B): Positions require a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (TYPE C): Positions require a master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field. In rare occasions, positions in highly specialized fields may allow for a combination of education and exceptional equivalent experience prior to the time of hire to satisfy the master's degree requirement.
*Ranks for each research assistant type in ascending order are senior research assistant I and senior research assistant II.
Research Associate rank or Postdoctoral Scholar:
Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics or related field.
Professional experience conducting research in Chemistry, Physics or related field.
Senior Research Associate I rank:
Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 6 years of applicable work experience post-degree.
Senior Research Associate II rank:
Terminal degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related field, plus 12 years of applicable work experience post-degree.

Professional Competencies

Ability to conduct research activities under appropriate supervision and follow established research protocols.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
Strong analytical, criticalthinking, and problemsolving skills.
Ability to collect, manage, and analyze research data with accuracy and attention to detail.
Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate for research and scholarly environments.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary research team.
Commitment to maintaining a professional, inclusive, and collegial research environment.
Ability to comply with university policies, research compliance requirements, and applicable safety standards.
Strong organizational and timemanagement skills to meet research project goals and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy, molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or a related interdisciplinary field.
Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical or spectroscopic techniques, or quantumrelated research tools, as applicable.
Prior research experience in optical science, spectroscopy, molecular science, quantum science, physics, chemistry, or a related interdisciplinary field.
Experience conducting experimental, theoretical, or computational research involving light-matter interactions.
Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optical or spectroscopic techniques, or quantumrelated research tools, as applicable.
Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data using appropriate analytical or computational methods.
Experience contributing to scholarly publications, presentations, posters, or technical reports.
Experience working in an interdisciplinary research environment that includes students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
For research associate or postdoctoral scholar roles: evidence of increasing independence in research activities.
Experience supporting grantfunded or contractfunded research projects.


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: March 27, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: March 27, 2027 Pacific Daylight Time

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