Student Technical Assistant; Chemical Lab Assistant - Wood Science Engineering

Student Technical Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) - Wood Science Engineering

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

• A Resume/Vita
• A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position

For additional information please contact:
Mathew Konkler kler

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

This position may be 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 OSU Standard  et seq. Incumbents are required to self‑report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Note:
All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

Job Title:

Student Technical Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) – Wood Science Engineering

Appointment Type:
Student Employee

Location:

Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Oregon State University (OSU)

Appointment Percent: 100%

Appointment Basis: 12

Pay Method:
Hourly

Pay Period: 16th - 15th of the following month

Pay Date:
Last working day of the month

Min Hourly Rate: $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)

Max Hourly Rate: $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)

This recruitment will be used to fill one part‑time (maximum 20 hours per week) Student Technical Assistant position as needed with the Department of Wood Science and Engineering (WSE) at Oregon State University (OSU). The Student Technical Assistants will perform routine and occasionally complex tasks in support of various industry and academic supported research projects on the performance and durability of various products.

Work may include lab research and chemical lab operations. The approximate hours worked per week will vary depending on the needs of the project, but will not exceed 20 hours per week during academic terms.

OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career‑readiness skills in the primary areas below:

• Critical Thinking
• Professionalism
• Technology

• Work in a chemical laboratory performing chemical reactions, chemical analyses, instrument operation, general cleanup duties, chemical purchasing, report and publication writing, and presentations to various audiences depending on the project.
• Work with hazardous chemicals and/or materials as needed, depending on the project.
• Prepare wood samples for testing.
• Test wood and wood composite materials for hardness, screw withdrawal, bending, and compression strength.
• Breakdown panels into sample pieces.
• Manage data in Microsoft Excel.
• Use all manner of common lab equipment, such as microscopes, scales, measurement devices, testing machines, power saws, and data collection systems to address project goals.
• Produce photography and videos (e.g., create time‑lapse videos of product behavior in varying humidity conditions).
• Drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, and/or college or university owned vehicles to collect samples and pick up/drop off materials at other facilities, as needed.
• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study.
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment.
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard:
  • High School student:
    Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home‑schooling program.
  • Undergraduate and post‑baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term.
  • Undergradu…