Research Assistant

The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, seek candidates to apply for an hourly Research Assistant position in development of functional materials for environmental applications.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 650 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to respect and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

The chosen candidate will support an NSF I-Corps research and customer discovery project focused on the development and commercialization of flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and absorbing materials for cyber-physical system protection. The project involves scalable manufacturing of thermally conductive polymer composites containing magnetic nano-ferrite and carbon-based fillers that can be processed into 3D-printable filaments and flexible coatings for applications in IoT devices, 5G/NextG communications, defense electronics, radar systems, and secure communication infrastructure.

The candidate will work closely with faculty researchers and the I-Corps team to support both technical development and customer discovery activities. Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with fabrication and testing of polymer composite filaments and flexible EMI shielding coatings
• Supporting additive manufacturing and materials-processing activities
• Conducting basic materials characterization and performance testing
• Assisting with data collection, organization, and visualization
• Supporting market research and customer discovery interviews with industry stakeholders
• Helping prepare technical summaries, presentations, outreach materials, and commercialization documentation
• Participating in interdisciplinary meetings involving engineering, entrepreneurship, and commercialization strategy

The position provides hands-on exposure to translational research, technology commercialization, advanced manufacturing, sustainable materials development, and entrepreneurship through the NSF I-Corps program.

Required Qualifications:

• Background in Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, Physics, Business, Entrepreneurship, or a related field
• Strong interest in innovation, research, entrepreneurship, or technology commercialization
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
• Willingness to engage in customer discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ability to commit approximately 20-30 hours per week during the project period
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as an hourly employee at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in cybersecurity, IoT systems, wireless communications, or electromagnetic materials
• Experience with market research, entrepreneurship programs, startup activities, or customer engagement
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills
• Interest in graduate studies, innovation, or startup development in advanced manufacturing and smart materials systems

Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/mechanical-nuclear-engineering/.

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

Unit: College Of Engineering

Department: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Salary Range:up to $20.00 per hour

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 29 (maximum)

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Mia Smith
Contact Email: smithmo3@vcu.edu