• Research Search Associate

    Michigan Technological University (Houghton, MI)


    Research Search Associate

     

    Department: Provost Senior VP for Acad Affairs

     

    Work Type: Staff - Full Time

     

    Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

     

    Categories: Engineering, Research

     

    Department: Materials Science and Engineering

    Summary

    Engineering staff position to support the activities of Materials Science and

    Engineering in the areas of production, processing, and characterization,

    mechanical, and thermo-mechanical testing of metallic materials. The staff member may also assist in the design and fabrication of unique test fixtures or testing systems, as well as the execution of other research activities required for externally sponsored research programs.

    Responsibilities and Essential Duties

    • Support MSE research projects, users, and infrastructure

    • Manage all aspects of externally and internally funded projects, which may include budget preparation, planning of research scope and deliverables, execution of planned research, preparation of data, report preparation, and presentation of findings.

    • Assist in the maintenance of research laboratories, equipment, and instrumentation

    • Support laboratory instruction in the Materials Science and Engineering department

    • Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.

    • Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

    Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

    • BS degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, Mechanical

     

    Engineering, or related field.

    Required Experience

    • One year of experience in metals manufacturing or metals research at a university, national laboratory, or industry

    • Hands-on experience with materials testing and characterization equipment, which may include X-ray diffraction, microscopy, and mechanical or thermo-mechanical test systems.

    • Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance which

     

    requires U.S. citizenship

    Desirable Education and/or Experience

    • Experience with design and manufacture of metallic components, fixtures, or test specimens, including CAD, FEA analysis, design optimization, and machining

    • Experience analyzing, preparing, and reporting complex data sets

    Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

    • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

    • Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of researchers, students, and staff.

    • Demonstrated organizational skills with strong attention to detail

    • Ability to search and interpret scientific papers, protocols, standard operating procedures, safety standards, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals to support research activities and laboratory equipment

    • Ability to learn and adapt to new procedures incidental to laboratory

     

    activities.

     

    Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

     

    There are no unusual physical demands

     

    The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate

     

    Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

    Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:

    • Employee Safety Overview

    • Annual Data Security Training

    • Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

    • Annual Title IX Training

     

    Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.

    Background Check:

    Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

     

    Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

     

    1

     

    FLSA Status

     

    Exempt

    Appointment Term

    12 months

     

    Pay Rate/Salary

     

    The minimum salary for this position is $50,000/year. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

     

    Title of Position Supervisor

     

    Assistant Professor

     

    Posting Type

     

    Internal & External

     

    Dependent on Funding

     

    Yes

     

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Other Conditions of Employment:

    Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

     

    Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

     

    If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [email protected].

     

    Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

     

    Advertised: 03 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

    Applications close: