The University of Arizona

Research Professional I, Computer Science (Temporary)

Closes: Dec 15, 2026

Salary: $47,356 – $59,195 per year

Posting Number: req27247

Department: Computer Science

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's department of Computer Science invites you to apply to the role of Research Professional I. Under general supervision, the employee will implement existing Monte Carlo Tree Search based reinforcement learning algorithms and evaluate it in popular, publicly-available benchmarking suite, and compare it with other non-Monte Carlo Tree Search based baselines.

The University of Arizona's Department of Computer Science offers a collaborative environment focused on high-quality research and instruction, where undergraduate and graduate students benefit from the department's research programs. Established in 1971, the department offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and has a distinguished reputation for research excellence across areas including algorithms, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, programming languages, security, systems, and visualization. The department is nationally recognized for its research impact and ranks among the top public Ph. D.-granting computer science programs in the nation.
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Implement the basic Monte Carlo Tree Search algorithm and evaluate it in publicly-available benchmark reinforcement learning environments such as OpenAI Gym.

Implement basic imitation learning algorithms such as supervised finetuning (SFT) and evaluate them in benchmark reinforcement learning environments.

Implement an reinforcement learning algorithm using the outcomes of tasks 1 and 2, and prepare evaluation reports for this algorithm in benchmark reinforcement learning environments.

Maintaining source code of the training pipelines, such as documentation of the source code, preparing usage manuals, and identification of library dependencies.

Collaborate with internal departments to share information and improve data handling processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Skilled in maintaining code for libraries, APIs, deep learning, and reinforcement learning pipelines.
Ability to generate evaluation plots on the performance of algorithms, and visualize the reasoning traces of Monte-Carlo Tree Search agents
Ability to translate technical concepts into clear documentation and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
1 year of relevant work experience is required.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: No Benefits

Rate of Pay: $47,356-$59,195

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

6

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC1

Job Family

Researchers & Scientists

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Expected End Date: 12/18/2026

Contact Information for Candidates

Chicheng Zhang Assistant Professor chichengz@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

This is a Preview Listing…

Finalise to make live.

Find Your Best Opportunity

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

About the employer

The University of Arizona

3.5 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover University of Arizona jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the United States’ leading public research universities. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, is renowned for its innovative research and academic excellence, making University of Arizona uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. University of Arizona careers offer a dynamic and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. University of Arizona university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including astronomy, optical sciences, biosciences, environmental science, and social sciences. Employment University of Arizona includes roles such as professors, research fellows, postdoctoral scholars, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing University of Arizona jobs Tucson, the university’s vibrant campus provides a collaborative workplace in a sunny, culturally rich desert city. University of Arizona vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, groundbreaking research, and administrative roles. Jobs at University of Arizona cover fields like space exploration, public health, and sustainable agriculture, aligning with the university’s commitment to addressing global challenges through discovery and innovation. Each University of Arizona vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within a distinguished academic community. University of Arizona Employment Opportunities are extensive, with University of Arizona job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A University of Arizona Career offers the chance to join an institution that values intellectual curiosity, diversity, and societal impact. University of Arizona uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest University of Arizona vacancies. Jobs at University of Arizona uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge and driving progress. University of Arizona job postings include positions in anthropology, engineering, and professional services such as IT and research administration. University of Arizona Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with University of Arizona Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a world-leading university shaping the future.

Visit the employer page

Hire Experts… Post a Job

Post a Job

Roles… Create a Job Alert

Related Jobs

October 21, 2026

View All Jobs

Anaheim, CA1,564

View all research grants →

Related Conferences

To Be AnnouncedUnited States

Research Professional I, Computer Science (Temporary)