Graduate Student Assistant – UX/UI Design

The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) is seeking applications for a Graduate Student Assistant to support research and development in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for complex analytic and decision-support systems. This position involves contributing to usability evaluations, prototyping, and visualization design to improve human–computer interaction and overall user experience. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Work under the direction of Dr. Michael Bunting (NSI), Dr. Patrick Pischulti (NSI), and Dr. Katya Arquilla (Aerospace Engineering).
• Contribute to usability analyses of interactive software systems, including heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs, and iterative prototyping.
• Assist in developing low-fidelity prototypes, mockups, and visualization designs for improved user interaction.
• Support structured feedback sessions with researchers and end users, documenting user needs and pain points.
• Contribute to progress updates, analysis reports, and final synthesis deliverables.

Period of Performance:

October 2025 – January 2026 (Fall semester through winter term)
Expected commitment: ~10–20 hours per week

What We Require

• Enrollment in a Master’s program (or higher) in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Human Factors, Robotics and Controls, or a related field.
• Coursework or demonstrated skills in:
  • Experience in applying human factors principles to autonomous aerospace systems
  • Human-computer interaction (HCI), UX/UI design, or cognitive systems engineering
  • Software development and prototyping
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Due to the nature, scope and sponsor of the work, the position is limited to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• For more information about clearance process please visit: https://www.dcsa.mil/Personnel-Security/Background-Investigations-for-Applicants/Investigations-Clearance-Process/

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with heuristic usability methods, rapid prototyping, and user testing.
• Programming experience in Python or other languages supporting interactive systems.
• Familiarity with aerospace applications of autonomy, robotics, or decision support tools.
• Exposure to AI/ML, data visualization, or embedded systems for human–machine teaming.
• Currently enrolled or successful completion of ASEN 6216 – Human Operation of Aerospace Vehicles, or ASEN 5137 Experimental design and Statistical Methods.