Research Associate 2
About The Position
This research position in the Engineering and Design Department supports the mission of rigorous research opportunities for students with hands-on engineering experience. This position manages grant based and industry-partnered research projects in the Polymer Materials Engineering program focused on materials development and characterization in areas such as advanced composites, thermoplastics processing, additive manufacturing and sustainable materials. The primary activities of this position include: development of novel research methods using experimental design to measure properties of materials and performance of systems; implementing research methods to accomplish research objectives; verifying research methods are meeting research goals; analyzing experimental data; supervising research students; providing technical support to research staff and students; and communicating to internal and external stakeholders through technical reports, papers and presentations. This research is conducted in several labs in the Engineering and Design Department and shared research spaces on campus, and involves utilization of related equipment and processes. This position is responsible for ensuring a positive student research experience as well as the research outcomes, and supporting the Polymer Materials Engineering research classes – PME 495 (Directed Research in Polymer Materials Engineering) and PME 491-493 (the PME Capstone Project Series) when appropriate.
Requirements
- BS in Engineering, Chemistry, associated degree or equivalent education/experience
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Strong ability to multitask and prioritize project responsibilities
- Ability to recognize when guidance or direction is needed by students
- Self-motivated and able to work efficiently in a demanding environment
- Well-developed interpersonal skills, works efficiently in group settings
- Proven ability to manage a university level research project, or equivalent
- Extensive knowledge of thermoplastics and composites technology
Nice To Haves
- Ability to operate plastic processing machinery and testing methods
- Well versed in Design of Experiments methodology
- Extensive knowledge and experience with analytical instrumentation such as TGA, FTIR, DMA, DSC, and Rheology
- Experience with additive manufacturing
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and refine novel methods for data collection and assessment
- Supervise, advise and mentor research staff and students working on industry- and grant-sponsored projects
- Implement research methods to accomplish research goals
- Communication with all internal and external stakeholders
- Grant proposal preparation and administration
Benefits
- Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
