SCIA - STRIVE Laboratory Intern- Part Time

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State seeks exceptional candidates for a SCIA-STRIVE Laboratory Intern position. This role supports silicon carbide growth, synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization, with hands-on involvement in SCIA projects.

Responsibilities include assisting lab staff and graduate students, ensuring health and safety compliance, learning new equipment, and maintaining a clean lab environment. 20 hours per week and veteran status preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school graduate.
• U.S. military veteran.
• Able to work up to 20 hours per week.
• Able to follow Penn State EHS training and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in working in a research environment, with preferred expertise in silicon carbide synthesis and processing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a scientific environment.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization of silicon carbide materials.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Follow health and safety protocols to mitigate risks.
• Report problems to lab staff to track progress of tests.
• Be ready to learn new equipment and test methodologies.
• Help lab staff keep the lab environment clean.
• Assist lab staff with equipment maintenance and service activities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

U.S. military veteran

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Materials Research Institute (MRI) at Penn State is seeking exceptional candidates for a SCIA-STRIVE Laboratory Intern position. This opportunity supports the Silicon Carbide Innovation Alliance (SCIA), a Penn State initiative dedicated to advancing silicon carbide semiconductor research, technology development, and workforce training, and STRIVE (Semiconductor Training and Research Initiatives for Veterans in Engineering), a program designed to prepare veterans for careers in the semiconductor industry through hands‑on technical training, mentorship, and industry engagement. The successful applicant will be responsible for helping the laboratory staff and graduate students with the silicon carbide growth process and this process will be followed by synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization processes. This role requires hands‑on involvement in the SCIA projects.

Responsibilities

• Help SCIA lab staff and graduate students with facility operations, including synthesis, slicing, polishing, and characterization of silicon carbide materials
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Follow appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures to mitigate risks
• Follow and report problems to lab staff to track progress of scientific tests
• Ready to learn new equipment and test methodologies
• Help lab staff to keep lab environment clean
• Help lab staff with equipment maintenance and service activities

Education and Experience

• Minimum of high school graduate
• U.S. military veteran
• Able to work up to 20 hours per week
• Able to follow Penn State EHS training and regulatory requirements
• Experience in working in a research environment, with preferred expertise in silicon carbide synthesis and processing
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a scientific environment
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment

Compensation

The minimum wage for this job is $7.25

Background checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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