Job Summary
The School of Civil and Construction Engineering in College of Engineering invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the School Head.

This position supports projects administered by Dr. Parichehr Salimifard in the Sustainable Healthy and Resilient Buildings Lab within the School of Civil and Construction Engineering in College of Engineering. The Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) will perform field work and provide laboratory support for research projects. The position will work in the lab and/or field research activities to help with various tasks including, but not limited to, building mechanical systems and indoor and outdoor air quality research equipment design and setup, data collection, and analysis, and general laboratory support and maintenance, and general research grant support. The position will maintain organized and accurate research documentation and assist in the preparation of research reports, grant proposals, academic publications, and presentations. The position will assist with project management and coordinating lab activities, including project timelines, resource allocation, and communication with stakeholders.

Specific tasks and work schedule vary based on the lab and project needs.

The College of Engineering (COE) is committed to building a community of faculty, students, and staff that is increasingly inclusive, collaborative, diverse, and centered on student success.
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.

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
Research Support,Data Collection and Analysis, Literature Review and Documentation,Writing and Dissemination, Project Coordination, Lab Management – 100%
Provide technical support in designing and executing research projects under the guidance of faculty supervisor and/or other SHRB Lab senior researchers.
Conduct experiments, simulations, and field studies. Work in the lab and/or field research activities to help with various tasks including, but not limited to, building mechanical systems and indoor and outdoor air quality research equipment design and setup, data collection, and analysis, troubleshoot any issues in experimental setup or fieldwork, and general laboratory support and maintenance. Assist in the coordination and management of day-to-day lab operations, including scheduling research activities, managing equipment and keeping equipment in working order. Order and maintain laboratory supplies. Maintain a safe laboratory environment. Will provide on call support for equipment and lab maintenance.
Implement research methodologies and ensure compliance with research protocols and standards, and assist in refining experimental procedures as needed.
Collect, organize, and analyze data related, and use specialized software (e.g., R) for data analysis. Maintain organized and detailed research documentation, ensuring that all experimental records, protocols, and data are properly archived.
Identify patterns or trends in data and prepare initial interpretations to guide research efforts. Prepare visual aids such as charts, graphs, and illustrations to effectively communicate research results.
Perform thorough literature reviews to stay updated on the latest developments in research projects. Summarize relevant studies, synthesize findings, and integrate them into ongoing research projects.
Assist in drafting and editing research papers, technical reports, presentations, and grant proposals. Prepare reports for funding agencies and stakeholders to ensure timely project updates.
Help manage timelines for multiple research projects to meet deadlines and milestones.
Assist faculty supervisor in training other researchers in the lab and in teaching courses, seminars, workshops. Supervise work and equipment use of undergraduate and graduate student workers and students in the laboratory.
Work collaboratively with staff, faculty, and students to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive research environment.
Other duties assigned by the faculty supervisor.
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Architectural Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Track, Mechanical Engineering, or other related STEM disciplines with strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, with 4+ years of demonstrated track-record and experience in HVAC labs and capability in designing and conducting indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC experiments OR

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Architectural Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Track, Mechanical Engineering, or other related STEM disciplines with strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, with 2+ years of demonstrated track-record and experience in HVAC labs and capability in designing and conducting indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC experiments.

Experience in instrumentation, sensing, data acquisition, and setting up LabVIEW-based automatic control systems.
Strong programming skills and experience with any of R/MATLAB/Python.
Strong statistical data analysis/data science/machine learning skills.
Track record of grant writing and peer-reviewed journal publication.
Track record of relevant research experience including data collection, data management, data analysis, and contributing to scholarly activities such as research reports, and peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Excellent written and verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Strong decision-making abilities, attention to details, self-directed, motivated, and successful at meeting project deadlines. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience working effectively with diverse groups of students, researchers, and staff.

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.