Research Support in Fluid Dynamics

University System of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The University System of New Hampshire invites applications for a Summer 2026 Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The position supports externally funded research in fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, and related areas, with duties spanning experiments, data analysis, and computational tasks.

The role targets an undergraduate student in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, preferably rising seniors, who can work in a laboratory or computational setting, follow safety

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Rising senior standing preferred.
• Strong academic performance in engineering coursework.
• Ability to work in a laboratory and/or computational research environment.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and research protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with experiments, data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Support development of computational modeling and scripts/tools for research analysis.
• Assist with literature reviews and preparation of figures, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Strong technical, analytical, and prob

Written and verbal communication

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Undergraduate student in Mechanical or Aerospace Eng

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

The Researcher will support externally funded research activities within the Department of Mechanical Engineering during Summer 2026. The position will assist faculty and graduate researchers with experimental, computational, and analytical tasks associated with ongoing sponsored research projects in areas related to fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, mechanics, or related engineering disciplines. The position provides hands-on research experience in a laboratory and/or computational research environment. Responsibilities may include assisting with experiments, data analysis, computational modeling, technical documentation, literature review, and preparation of research materials. The position is intended for a rising senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering with strong technical and problem-solving skills.

Duties/Responsibilities

Research Support 50%

• Assist faculty and graduate students with ongoing sponsored research activities.
• Support experimental setup, operation, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Assist with collection, processing, and analysis of experimental or computational data.
• Maintain organized research records and documentation.

Computational and Analytical Activities 30%

• Assist with data processing, visualization, and computational modeling activities.
• Support development of scripts, spreadsheets, or software tools for research analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize technical findings relevant to project activities.

Laboratory and Project Support 20%

• Assist with laboratory organization, equipment preparation, and general research support tasks.
• Participate in research group meetings and technical discussions.
• Support preparation of figures, presentations, and technical reports associated with funded research projects.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Rising senior standing preferred.
• Strong academic performance in engineering coursework.
• Ability to work in a laboratory and/or computational research environment.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety procedures and research protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with engineering analysis, laboratory methods, or computational tools.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic technical software tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior undergraduate research, laboratory, or design-project experience.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, SolidWorks, CAD software, or other engineering software tools.
• Interest in pursuing graduate study or research-related careers.

Compensation Pay Range

$20 per hour

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Location

Durham

Salary Grade

Adjunct Hourly Staff 00