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Faculty Research Assistant / Research Associate
Faculty Research Assistant / Research Associate
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 04/24/2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Sch of Mech/Ind/Mfg Engr (EMM)
Position Title
Faculty Research Assistant / Research Associate
Job Title
Faculty Research Assistant / Research Associate
Appointment Type
Academic Faculty
Job Location
Corvallis
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering (MIME) invites applications for a full-time, (1.00 FTE), 12-month Faculty Research Assistant or Research Associate (FRA / RA) position. Appointment at the FRA rank is anticipated, however, appointment at the higher RA rank may be considered based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
The purpose of this position is to support and conduct research in advanced materials and manufacturing for energy and aerospace (AMMEA) applications. The AMMEA research group at Oregon State University leads several research projects funded by DoD, NASA, DoE, NSF, and other agencies that explore new approaches to voxel-based microstructure and property control through laser-based additive manufacturing technologies for application to technologies in energy, aerospace, and propulsion. The instruments needed for this research are both standard systems (as received) and prototypes that are modified on-site to perform unique and enabling experiments. The position enables work to be conducted and completed on research contracts awarded to the university in the area of AMMEA.
Duties will include performing and assisting in process development and operation of laser-based metal additive manufacturing, plasma and propulsion testing, and material evaluation. This will involve research with instruments such as laser measurement, laser calibration, vacuum systems, power and plasma systems, and material evaluation. The position is responsible for efforts related to quality control analysis, safety procedure documentation, custom modifications of mechanical and electrical components of instruments and their maintenance, training and supervising students and other workers, and maintaining robust relationships with instrument vendors. The successful candidate will work as an integral part of the team with researchers, fee-for-service users, and vendors.
Additionally, this position will support development of new ideas and methods in metal additive manufacturing processes and plasma and material testing and evaluation, assist in developing grant proposals, and co-author publications.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
- 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
- 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
- 217k+ alumni worldwide
- For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
- Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
60% Conduct research
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student researchers to develop fabrication and additive manufacturing processes, plasma and propulsion testing, material evaluation techniques, and laser-based or other scientific instrumentation capabilities. Contribute to quality assurance and general lab and safety practices to support development of new research capabilities and new knowledge within AMMEA. Operate experiments, instruments, and data acquisition systems, and perform data analysis and interpretation to help draw research conclusions. Lead maintenance and custom modification of the mechanical and electrical components of the instruments.
20% Train and lead work for student researchers
Work closely with undergraduate and graduate student researchers to provide instruction and guidance in relevant research areas as well as laboratory and safety practices. Train student researchers in the use, operation, and maintenance of scientific and engineering instruments. Work collaboratively with staff, faculty, and students to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive research environment.
15% Develop safety and compliance documentation
Lead the creation and maintenance of quality control and safety procedure documentation. Assist researchers in enhancing safety procedures and work with OSU Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) to establish, document, and update safety procedures and standard operational procedures (SOPs).
5% Contribute to scholarly products
Assist in identifying and communicating research results. Contribute to presentations, publications, and grant proposals by writing and reviewing relevant sections, conducting literature reviews, and providing data analyses.
What You Will Need
Faculty Research Assistant rank: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical or related field.
Research Associate rank: Doctoral degree in relevant area.
Both FRA/RA:
Research Associate rank: Doctoral degree in relevant area.
Both FRA/RA:
- Desire to work in a dynamic and collaborative research team environment.
- Experience working in and applying safety practices in an industrial/manufacturing workspace or lab.
- Experience working with electronic system modification and integration (example systems may include laser measurement, calibration, and integration of PCBs, electronic/mechanical systems, visual and thermal cameras, power supplies, microcontrollers, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to produce comprehensive engineering and CAD design documents for 3D-design.
- Demonstrated ability to perform basic computer programming, especially interpretation and debugging.
- Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of software options (including Excel) for machine management, security, data collection, numerical and other data manipulation, and data management.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, make independent decisions and recommendations which align with policies, and lead within a team, unit, or organization.
- Strong organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to be proactive, prioritize work across multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain industrial equipment including tracking usage, ordering supplies, and coordinating repairs.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail and to documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret, explain, and implement complex information, and to act as a resource to a wide variety of constituents.
- Commitment to fostering and participating in an inclusive work environment.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, as mandated by federal regulations.
What We Would Like You to Have
Faculty Research Assistant: 3-5 years of relevant experience.
Research Associate: 2+ years of relevant experience.
Both FRA/RA:
Research Associate: 2+ years of relevant experience.
Both FRA/RA:
- Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical/electrical systems relevant to laser-based metal 3D-printing (LDED, LPBF, etc.), with an emphasis on process development and troubleshooting of CNC machine tools and laser-based metal additive manufacturing machines.
- Experience working with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing or precision manufacturing (CNC) systems.
- Experience with facility design and implementation, vacuum systems, power systems, standard and custom diagnostics (e.g., scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction), and/or plasma or propulsion systems.
- Demonstrated ability to design for subtractive, additive, or hybrid manufacturing processes.
- Experience with machine learning, computational data analysis, and/or digital twin.
- Experience with software data transport, database management, and/or data acquisition and management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to create technical documentation such as machine or experiment SOPs, interface control documents, or bill of materials.
- Demonstrated ability and eagerness to solve problems, implement solutions, and improve processes.
- Demonstrated ability to approach setbacks, delays, or difficult interactions with composure and a solution‑oriented mindset.
- Demonstrated ability to engage, communicate, and collaborate with all stakeholders (e.g., researchers, student workers, suppliers, manufacturers, tool vendors, government agencies).
- Experience balancing work between multiple teams, projects, or supervisors.
- Demonstrated ability to perform professional work such as research, presentations, and specialized technical writing.
- Experience working in an academic research setting – OR – Experience working with researchers on government sponsored program activities.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
- Work in a manufacturing and/or aerospace laboratory facility where hazards of chemical, electrical, laser, and/or moving machinery may be present.
- Able to lift, position, and carry heavy parts up to 45 pounds.
- Able to stand for 3 hours at a time.
- Able to work in a laboratory that may exhibit temperature extremes (10-15°F above or below 70°F).
- Occasionally work flexible hours to complete time-sensitive actions or projects (may require after-hour and weekend engagement).
- Able to drive between facilities to move supplies and equipment and to attend meetings in different locations.
Pay Method
Salary
Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
$60,000 - $65,000 for FRA; $70,000 - $75,000 for RA
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P09836UF
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
07/06/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date
04/02/2026
Full Consideration Date
04/24/2026
Closing Date
05/03/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 04/24/2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
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