TTU Research Aide - Mechanical Engineering

Lubbock

40600BR

Mechanical Engineering

Position Description

Performs specialized work in conducting original research. Work is performed under general supervision with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Mechanical engineering is the largest major in the engineering college at Texas Tech University. The Department is ranked in the top 25 in producing B.S.M.E. graduates (a total of 274 schools reported) according to ASEE. In 2023-2024 academic year, the Department awarded 295 undergraduate degrees, 40 MS degrees, and 15 PhD degrees. In Fall 2024, the Department enrollment includes 145 graduate students and 667 undergraduate students who have met the requirements and been accepted to the ME program. In addition, another 847 first-year undergraduate students have their concentration set for ME and are working to complete the required foundational coursework/GPA requirements. This is a strong testament to the demand and strength for ME!

Major/Essential Functions

The successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience in energetic material synthesis, wet chemistry techniques, high-temperature synthesis, safe handling of strong acids, and working within a fume hood. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for maintaining and operating various experimental diagnostic instruments, including DSC-TGA (Differential Scanning Calorimeter-Thermogravimetric Analyzer), iGC-SEA (Inverse Gas Chromatography-Surface Energy Analyzer), particle size analyzers, furnaces, X-ray diffraction systems, SEM/TEM.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a specialized field and one year research experience. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants preferred with a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering with a minimum of 5 journal publications in the area of Synthesis and Characterization of Energetic Materials. A minimum of 5 years of DOD/DOE related work experience is highly desirable.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Occasional Duties

The selected applicant will also mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants in the Combustion Lab, support their projects, and help coordinate laboratory activities to foster a productive and collaborative team environment. Regular engagement with DOD and DOE sponsors on active research projects will be a key responsibility.
Candidates who have strong records of scholarship, and who have the proven capacity or clear potential to manage large groups of students are encouraged to apply. Experience working with diverse student populations and first-generation students is highly desirable. The Candidate will serve as the laboratory's business manager, including responsibilities of managing the lab budgets, record keeping, ordering supplies, and maintaining lab supply stocks.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Resume / CV

Job Type

Part Time

Pay Basis

Hourly

Minimum Hire Rate

15.80

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

None

Shift

Day

Schedule Details

8 to 5

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Research Technicians

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.