This position is budgeted for $24.04 per hour and is non-negotiable.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is the vibrant home to about 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students, several active and award-winning student clubs and organizations, multiple teaching and research laboratories, internationally-renowned faculty who are dedicated teachers committed to the success of students while leading cutting-edge research in the fields of bioengineering, design, energy, manufacturing, materials, mechatronics, and robotics and control by employing advanced experimental and computational techniques, and dedicated and committed staff.  

Following detailed procedures, the Research Assistant will assist with the research conducted at the Powder Technology Lab (PTL) under the supervision of the lab co-directors, Dr. Eugene Olevsky and Dr. Elisa Torresani. He/she will work with lab tools and equipment for data collection and analysis, help the lab director with the coordination of the work of other personnel in the lab (as assigned), and assist with writing reports and scholarly papers.

Research Management & Coordination 35%

• Overseeing the day-to-day tasks of an evaluation team by coordinating schedules, providing training, preparing reports, and providing daily updates to the Research Manager.
• Assist with literature reviews and administrative tasks in support of research activities.

Experimental & Technical Expertise 40%

• Provides specialized techniques/running experiments in the laboratory.
• Provides specialized techniques/running computational simulations in the framework of sintering of additive manufactured components and electro nanopulsing.

Academic Writing & Publication 10%

• Co-author, submit, and publish a journal paper.
• Assisting in grant writing.

Student Mentorship & Support 10%

• Assisting in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep knowledge in the field of sintering and field assisted sintering of powder materials.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting data.
• Ability to write papers and reports for peer-reviewed journals.
• Capable of planning and executing complex projects.
• Effective in team-based, interdisciplinary work.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creative and analytical thinking for research challenges.

Education & Experience

• Completion of sufficient upper division coursework
• OR -Equivalent of two years full time progressively responsible related experience in lieu of coursework.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Doctoral degree in Engineering Science: Mechanical and Aerospace or equivalent in an appropriate field.
• A good record of publications in peer-reviewed journals is often a preferred qualification.
• Proficiency in specific laboratory techniques, computational tools, or methodologies that are key to the research project(s).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take initiative in planning and conducting research.
• Experience presenting research findings at national or international conferences.
• A passion for the field and the ability to work toward the research goals with dedication and persistence.   

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.