Student Technical Assistant; Chemical Lab Assistant - Wood Science Engineering

Position: Student Technical Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) - Wood Science Engineering
Position Details

Position Information

Job Title Student Technical Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) - Wood Science Engineering Appointment Type Student Employee

Job Location Corvallis Position 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 Remote or Hybrid option? 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) Position Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) part-time (a maximum of 20 hours per week) Student Technical Assistant positions 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.

Transferable Skill Development

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, and Technology.

Position Duties

* 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

Minimum Qualifications

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-requirements

* 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

* Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term
* * Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term

* Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term
* * International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered "full-time" by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.

Additional

Required Qualifications

* Must complete Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) online Lab Safety Training(s) within three days of hire

* Must complete appropriate Wood Science and Engineering safety training(s) within three days of hire

Preferred (Special) Qualifications

* Current Renewable Materials student in Wood Science and Engineering

* Prior experience and/or familiarity working in a chemical laboratory

* A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

* Anticipated hours per week: 20 hours

* The ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 50 pounds may be required

* These positions work in a lab/shop environment. This may require exposure to dust, noise, and/or chemicals

* The ability to work evenings and/or weekends may be required as needed to complete experiments and projects

* The incumbent may be required to work alone or off campus, depending on the project.

* The ability to drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, and/or university or college owned vehicles may be required

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P12894SE

Number of Vacancies 1…