Accelerated Pavement Testing Research Assistant

University of North Florida; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 35,817 - 46,838; Full time

Job summary

University of North Florida (UNF) seeks Research Assistants for the Institute of Utility Security and Resilience-OPS to monitor and oversee the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) operations and assist with data evaluation and presentation material development. The on-site position involves hands-on equipment operation and basic data tasks under UNF and FDOT engineers.

Responsibilities include operating HVS equipment, logging malfunctions, performing maintenance as directed, and assisting in data

Qualifications

• High school diploma with relevant research/engineering work experience.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• LabVIEW experience is a plus; engineering students are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the HVS equipment during testing; log any malfunctions or errors, and report them to the operations supervisor.
• Safely perform required maintenance tasks as directed (after appropriate training).
• Assist in data analysis using computer software.

Skills

LabVIEW

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Department

Institute of Utility Security and Resilience (IUSR)-OPS

Compensation

$30.00 Hourly

The OPS Research Assistants will monitor and oversee the HVS's operation. They will also complete various research projects under the mentorship of UNF and FDOT engineers. The researcher will support the overall project effort by completing routine tasks such as initial data evaluation and developing presentation materials.

This position assists with engineering research in support of the Accelerated Pavement Testing program (APT) on-site at the Florida Department of Transportation State Materials Office (SMO) in Gainesville, Florida. Research assistants will operate and maintain research machinery, collect and analyze research data, and assist with hands-on research tasks.

The APT uses two Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS) to simulate traffic loading on pavement test sections. Using a combination of electric drive and hydraulics, the HVS can apply up to a 32,000 lb load for up to 12,000 tire passes per day on a test section. This simulated load is used to test pavement designs and placement methods.

Using vendor-supplied software as well as software developed in-house, on-board data acquisition systems collect real-time data including tire load, test speed, temperatures, hydraulic pressures, as well as voltage and current data.

Additionally, pavement deformation and cracking information are recorded by automated methods.

• Operate and monitor the HVS equipment during testing; log any malfunctions or errors, as well as report malfunctions or errors to the operations supervisor.
• Safely perform required maintenance tasks as directed (after appropriate training).
• Assist in data analysis using computer software.

Contact Dr. Jim Fletcher for further questions [e-mail]

Required Qualifications

Minimum qualifications require a high school diploma with relevant research/engineering work experience. Basic computer skills are required. LabVIEW experience is a plus. Engineering students are encouraged to apply.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check. The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.