Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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Temporary Graduate Research Assistant Worcester Polytechnic Institute in United States
Degree Level
Master's
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Hourly rate of $21.00 based on experience.
Country
United States
University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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About this position
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Fire Protection Engineering Department is seeking a temporary graduate research assistant to join a research team working on probabilistic fire risk assessment. The project focuses on developing a Probabilistic Framework for Fire Risk Assessment using fire spread models in FireBench, with an emphasis on wildfire risk modeling, uncertainty-aware analysis, and computational methods for understanding fire behavior.
The role is research-oriented and technical, bringing together probabilistic modeling, data analysis, Python programming, and machine learning. The successful candidate will work with simulation pipelines, geospatial datasets such as weather and fuel maps, and fire spread or fire behavior modeling tools. The posting highlights methods such as Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian networks, and uncertainty quantification, suggesting a project that combines statistical reasoning with computational fire modeling.
The position sits within WPI’s Fire Protection Engineering environment, offering an opportunity to contribute to applied research in a department known for engineering-focused work. The advert emphasizes the ability to work independently and collaboratively, with attention to detail and problem-solving as important parts of the research role.
The role is open to a current master’s candidate in a relevant technical field and is described as a temporary graduate research assistant appointment.
Funding details
Hourly rate of $21.00 based on experience.
What's required
A current Master’s candidate in Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required. Strong experience is preferred in probabilistic modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian networks, or uncertainty quantification; Python programming for data processing, simulation pipelines, and automation; machine learning with tools such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch; and geospatial data analysis using datasets or GIS tools. Familiarity with fire behavior or fire spread modeling tools such as FireBench, FARSITE, or WRF-SFIRE is a plus. The role also calls for excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
How to apply
Submit a cover letter and a resume/CV through the application link provided in the posting.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.