NIAR Research Associate - Composites

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s NIAR Composites & Structures department seeks a motivated Research Associate to support laboratory research, process development, and material testing. You will work alongside experienced researchers to execute hands-on lab activities, contributing to quality and process improvements on key projects.

The role is on-site at 4004 N. Webb Rd Wichita, KS, typically Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field.
• Ability to design and conduct specialized research as instructed by senior laboratory staff.
• Ability to provide periodic status reports and final results.

Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts specialized research as instructed by senior laboratory staff. Provide periodic status reports as requested and provide results report as project conclusion.
• Reviews research laboratory procedures, recommends updates to current procedures and implements new procedures as appropriate.
• Assist with quality and process improvements and support projects that drive industry-leading advancements.

Skills

Self-starter

Attention to detail

Analytical aptitude

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related STEM field

Job description

Department:

NIAR Composites & Structures

Campus Location:

4004 N. Webb Rd Wichita, KS - NIAR / NCATCampus

Hire Type:

Full Time

Pay:

Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule:

Typically Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm;work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement:

This position requires accessto EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required tobe eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and mustmeet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person".

Job Details

We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Research Associate to support laboratory research, process development, and material testing within the Composites & Structures department. In this role, you will work alongside experienced researchers to execute hands‑on laboratory activities, contribute to quality and process improvements, and support projects that drive industry‑leading advancements.

Job Summary

Performs daily laboratory activities with the objective ofachieving optimal quality control, process implementation andproject performance. Reports outcomes throughout the process and atproject conclusion.

Essential Functions

Designs and conducts specialized research as instructed by seniorlaboratory staff. Provide periodic status reports as requested andprovide results report as project conclusion. Reviews researchlaboratory procedures, recommends updates to current procedures andimplements new procedures as appropriate.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related STEM field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to initiate work as a self‑starter and to prioritizewith time management skills
• Demonstrated ability with attention to detail and analyticalaptitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as team player; work in anenvironment that builds people, engages the community, and providescustomer satisfaction
• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to thinkcritically

Physical Requirements:

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability toposition self to place, construct, and/or maintain equipment anditems in designated spaces. This includes but is not limited to theability to work in confined and elevated spaces. Ability toinspectand/or surveil materials, equipment, reports, and/or incidents andidentify any errors, needs and/or determining factors. Ability tointerpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptivelyand expressively. Ability to remain in a stationary position.Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchangeinformation. Ability to operate a computer and other officeequipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers,and calculators. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technologynecessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrumentmanipulation. Ability to move or traverse across campus, withinbuildings and offices, and/or across external environments.