Research Assistant I - Temporary Part-time (No benefits) - 527405

Inside Higher Ed; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 21,325 - 25,568; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is seeking a temporary part-time Research Assistant I. This role involves assisting with low-complexity research tasks, including preparing materials and performing experiments related to advanced surface engineering and laser machining. Candidates must have at least a high school diploma and experience in research, with preferences for those pursuing or having a Ph.D. in relevant fields. Competitive hourly pay is offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD).
• Ability to conduct sample preparation using focused ion beam (FIB) for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Established record of peer-reviewed publications in materials science.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research tasks under supervision.
• Order equipment and supplies.
• Perform experiments and monitor results.

Skills

Proposal writing

Research expertise in laser-based processes

Familiarity with physics of laser-material interactions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

Research Assistant I - Temporary Part-time (no benefits) - 527405

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $15.48 - Midpoint: $18.56 (Hourly N2)

Department/Organization: 214271 - Mechanical Engineering

Normal Work Schedule: Varies

Job Summary: The Research Assistant I assists with research work tasks of low-complexity in support of a research project under close supervision. May assist with ordering equipment and supplies, set up of equipment, performing experiments, monitoring results, data collection, preparation of support materials, etc.

Department Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama is seeking a temporary part-time Research Assistant I. Research focuses on advanced surface engineering and laser-based manufacturing methods, with particular emphasis on the laser peening and laser machining. The goal of the project is to explore and understand the effects of heat treatment on the property of shape memory alloys after laser machining, using advanced characterization techniques.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience in proposal writing and familiarity with the physics of laser–material interactions.
• Strong research expertise and relevant industrial experience in applying laser-based processes to various materials and in particular, shape memory alloys.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Ability to conduct scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as well as sample preparation using a focused ion beam (FIB) for transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Established record of peer-reviewed publications in the materials science field.

Background Investigation Statement

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.