This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. The Research Engineering Technician will work within the Materials and Structural Systems Division of the Engineering Laboratory, performing technical, hands-on work to support scientific projects.
Research Title:
Research Technician Assistant – Materials and Structural Systems Division, Engineering Laboratory, NIST
The work will entail:
Providing essential technical support to multiple research projects conducted within the Division's laboratories by utilizing advanced apparatuses, under close supervision from senior technician staff and researchers. Contributes technical expertise to the development, evaluation, and refinement of research plans and experimental testing procedures, focused on 3D Concrete printing, tensile testing of structural welds specimens under high temperature (up to 1,000 deg C), testing of concrete specimens with fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), including materials and large-scale structural testing (structural steel specimens and/or 3D printed concrete specimens). Under the supervision of senior technician staff, executes complex experimental tasks, ensuring the successful execution of research projects with a focus on material properties and structural testing.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Supporting senior technician staff to ensure lab equipment is operating optimally, lab spaces are well organized and safe to conduct experimental work.
- Collaborating with senior technician staff and researchers to execute smaller tasks within projects. This includes in-person meetings, detailed email communications, preparation of power point presentations tailored to be delivered to other groups within the Division and external stakeholders.
- Assisting in performing market research for purchases required for the laboratories.
- Collecting and analyzing data as requested by researchers and senior technician staff.
- Helping set-up data acquisition systems and instrumentation on large scale structural testing specimens.
- Using CAD software to design parts and fixtures for different test set-ups.
Qualifications
Candidates must be eligible to obtain a Department of Commerce background check for facility access.
- Enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience in using software like Python, LabVIEW, AutoCAD, SolidWorks for supporting experimental work in the laboratories.
- Ability to safely operate power tools (concrete saws, concrete drilling equipment, hammer drills, portable hand saws etc.), scissor lifts, forklifts, and overhead cranes. Training will be provided.
- Additional skills in Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, for data analysis and reporting.
- Be able to work without close supervision in a team environment.
- Experience with basic machine tools (e.g., drill press, band saw, lathe, etc.)
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.