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Summer Computer Science Research Assistant Jobs in Ashburn, VA

Texas A&M University

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Familiarity with Rhino 7 (CAD) software. * Ability to work independently with minimal supervision ... Anthropology, in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the study of what it means to be human in the ...

Tamus

Research Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.75 - $30/hr

Familiarity with Rhino 7 (CAD) software. * Ability to work independently with minimal supervision ... Anthropology, in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the study of what it means to be human in the ...

GAP Solutions, Inc

Computer Scientist (51337)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Research existing and new technologies used in medicine and scientific research to evaluate how it ... Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this ...

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Summer Computer Science Research Assistant information

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$8

$22

$32

How much do summer computer science research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer computer science research assistant in Ashburn, VA is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are popular job titles related to Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Summer Computer Science Research Assistant job openings:

Summer Computer Science Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Computer Science Research Assistant job openings in Ashburn, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 65% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,601 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

NIST PREP Research Associate in Computer Science and AI

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Computer Scientist ZP-II/NIST GenAI program
The work will entail: This position involves providing development support for various activities in the Information Access Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Specifically, the work will support NIST GenAI evaluation series (https://ai-challenges.nist.gov/genai).
The candidate will contribute to the development of AI evaluations that support evaluation series in various modalities (such as text, voice, image, video, and code) under the NIST GenAI program. This role includes contributing to implementation of an evaluation infrastructure, designing a database schema, and performing related evaluation tasks. The candidate will also provide technical expertise in activities related to deepfakes (image, audio, and video), which include creating a project plan, developing and distributing specialized tools, generating evaluation data, and conducting evaluation series. Additionally, they will contribute to reports that align with the program's objectives. The candidate will actively participate in NIST measurement science and engage in cutting-edge research and evaluation in the field of Generative AI technologies.
U.S. citizen preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Installing, developing and deploying software for executing AI and ML based systems, with a large dataset on a GPU-accelerated cluster
  • Conducting image/audio/video evaluation series in advancing generative AI technologies
  • Conducting experimental design and dataset curation
  • Developing baseline algorithms in generative AI
  • Upgrading, maintaining, and continuously developing existing NIST GenAI software and evaluation infrastructure
  • Managing data, such as querying and translating data formats/specifications
  • Designing and deploying agentic AI evaluation metrics and frameworks to assess agent performance, dynamic planning, tool use accuracy, and error recovery behaviors in complex multi-step workflows as well as multi-agent systems
  • Developing standardized baseline agent architectures to serve as control benchmarks within the NIST GenAI framework

Qualifications:
  • Strong proficiency in a mainstream programming language used in scientific and networking domains such as Python, Java, Java Script, ruby, R, C, C++ or Rust.
  • Basic proficiency with networking technologies and REST based applications
  • Proficiency in shell scripting (Bash, Zsh, etc.)
  • Basic proficiency with virtualization and cloud technology stacks (f.e. docker, compose, kubernetes, AWS)
  • Computer Vision and Signal Processing fundamentals (f.e. audio preprocessing, morphological filters)
  • Scientific Data Visualization and Analysis fundamentals
  • Practical experience with agentic design patterns and modern orchestration frameworks
  • Familiarity with structured output enforcement (JSON Schema), dynamic tool interfaces, and emerging interoperability standards (e.g., Model Context Protocol / MCP)
  • Familiarity with agentic evaluation frameworks and benchmarks for autonomous performance
  • Mastery of the principles, practices, methods in a specialty of a technical professional field (in science, computer science, software engineering, information technology, mathematics, or related field)

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0005263

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