Student Research Assistants: OAT Lab - IE

Working Title: Student Research Assistants: OAT Lab - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics

Department: 100026 - Mathematics and Statistics

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $15/hour

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 09/29/2025

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The JMU Optimization & Algorithmic Theory (OAT) Lab is looking for up to four (4) student research assistants (RAs) to join our team! The OAT lab performs research on the theoretical analysis and computational implementation of optimization algorithms. Please see the OAT Lab webpage to learn more about our research: https://zevwoodstock.github.io/oatlab/

We accept applications from all majors, and we value the breadth of expertise that comes with cross-disciplinary teams. Specific work hours (timing and quantity) are flexible, but there is a maximum of 20 hours per week for the Spring semester. If the research assistant makes satisfactory progress on their project, there is an option to extend this position to full-time in the summer upon mutual agreement of the RA and the PI. This position is funded by the National Science Foundation (Award #DMS-2532423).

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct theoretical and/or computational research on optimization, as directed by the Principal Investigator (PI).
2. Maintain weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the PI.
3. Contact the PI if unsolvable issues arise in the research project.
4. Independently learn the mathematical and/or programming concepts required for the assigned research project.
5. Program algorithms, tests, and problems related to optimization in relation to assigned research project(s) AND/OR work towards deriving new theoretical results related to the assigned research project(s).
6. Write an end-of-semester report that details research results and/or code documentation.
7. Prepare materials (slides, posters, etc.) for academic conferences or public outreach.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED: Most of our projects require some knowledge of linear algebra, calculus (sequences/series), programming, proofs, and optimization. However, there is no expectation to know all of these topics at the beginning -- just an eagerness to learn.

PREFERRED: very reliable, willing to learn, programming expertise, basic understanding of linear algebra, good grades in math, and experience/interest in (theory and/or implementation of) optimization algorithms. Prior experience typesetting in LaTeX is helpful, but not required.

Additional Posting Information:

There are up to four positions available. If satisfactory progress is made, this position could be extended to full-time (up to 40 hours per week) in the Summer upon mutual agreement of the Research Assistant and the PI. A limited amount of funds are available to send RA(s) to present research at conferences.

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.