Research Technician #23551BR
23551BR
Research Technician
Chemical & Petroleum Engineer
Position Overview
Chemical & Petroleum Engineering (CPE) is an academic department within the School of Engineering with an active research focus and multiple research centers. This position requires highly skilled work and independent judgment in the design, fabrication, testing, and maintenance of scientific equipment/machinery and complex hardware/software technologies. Successful applicants will be able to create, maintain, test, and troubleshoot hardware, software, and data systems for a diverse set of problems related to research and instruction. The research technician will meet regularly with faculty and provide recommendations and solutions to a diverse scope of problems, ensuring solutions and/or changes are implemented. The employee holding this position must work independently and is responsible for the overall functioning of the departmental workshop and the day?to?day operation of facilities/equipment in the research and teaching laboratories.
Job Description
65% - Mechanical, Instrumentation, and Electronic Fabrication for Research Laboratories:
Applies experience and knowledge with independent judgment and under minimal supervision to design, fabricate, install, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair of a wide variety of unique scientific laboratory equipment used in the support of research labs and faculty research projects. Uses and maintains equipment located in the mechanical workshop including lathes, CNCs, drill presses, table saws, band saws, soldering irons and torches, welding torches, shears and punches for sheet metal, and grinders. Also designs and fabricates specialized tooling, holding fixtures and unique assembly tools. Sets up machines to ensure that fabricated components are within specific tolerances. Upon request, may provide these services for other campus units. Trains and supports faculty, post-docs, research assistants, and students in the safe use of tools/equipment and lab safety.
30% - Support Departmental Teaching Laboratories:
Consults with faculty to design, fabricate, install, test, maintain, and repair of a wide variety of laboratory equipment for the department undergraduate instructional laboratories. Fabrication, repair of, and instruction with laboratory devices involving mechanical, electrical/electronic, data acquisition hardware and software, pneumatic, hydraulic or optical devices or components, and computer integrated manufacturing tooling. Works on equipment that is custom-fabricated, rebuilt, or purchased; also modifies existing equipment to meet experimental needs. Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment failure and prescription for making necessary repairs and modifications.
5% - Ordering and Procurement:
Responsible for ordering materials and tools, maintaining inventory, monitoring equipment check-out procedures, and maintenance records of equipment in the labs and machine shop, transporting equipment as needed, and ensuring the security of labs and related equipment. Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Research Center Directors and in consultation with the Department Chair.
Position Requirements
- This position is on-site.
Required Qualifications
- High school/GED and 5 years related experience OR Associate’s degree with 3 years related experience listed below
- Precision fabrication and repair of mechanical parts and equipment with relevant knowledge of metals and polymeric materials.
- Working knowledge of AutoCad-type design software.
- Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
- Organization, prioritization, and communication skills.
- Computer skills in MS Office (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with data acquisition and control software (e.g. Labview)
- Knowledge of State purchasing procedures.
- Knowledge of machine coding and programming.
- Training and supervisory experience.
Application review begins October 17, 2022, and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is received.
Advertised Salary Range: 59,000 commensurate with skills and experience
Application Review Begins: 17-Oct-2022
Anticipated Start Date: 24-Oct-2022
Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE: 1.0
Reg/Temp: Regular
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Employee Class: U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; 8 - 5 (40 hours)
Job Family: Research-KUL
Work Location Assignment: On-Site
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