Penn State Looking for Laboratory Manager and Technologist – Responsive and Adaptive Infrastructure Materials (Re-AIM) Laboratory Full Time

Job Number: REQ_0000049488

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

About the Re-AIM Laboratory

The Re-AIM research group at Penn State is a diverse, collaborative, and determined team of multidisciplinary research students from architectural, civil, chemical, mechanical, nuclear, and materials science engineering. Our group serves as a growth space for the next generation of engineering and science leaders that can help achieve harmony between the built and natural environments through reduced concrete material environmental impacts (i.e., lower CO2 emissions) for the building, infrastructure, and construction-related industries. Our research focuses on discovering links between the chemistry of low-CO2 cements and their properties and degradation performance over time with experimental and computational methods.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Laboratory Manager and Technologist (Engineering Support Specialist 3) to spearhead our daily lab operations. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, eager to learn, and hands-on with practical knowledge of machining, fabricating, and running different types of equipment. The successful candidate should enjoy fixing equipment, running tests for industrial applications, and helping students accomplish research tasks safely. In this position, the Laboratory Manager and Technologist will also oversee health, safety, and environmental management practices to maintain an excellent laboratory condition. The successful should be eager to learn how to run, maintain, and fix equipment in the laboratory for student and industry projects; however, expertise in data analysis or processing is not required. If you’re a hands-on individual who thrives on problem-solving, fabricating solutions, and getting involved at the ground level, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Re-AIM laboratory.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical equipment to ensure seamless research processes.

• Assist in the fabrication, machining, and rigging of testing set-ups for diverse research projects.

• Facilitate and learn standardized testing procedures, particularly related to cement and concrete materials.

• Run testing for various industry projects and collect data for researchers.

• Collaborate and work closely with student researchers, providing mentorship and guidance as needed.

• Implement and uphold the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental management within the laboratory environment.

Required and Preferred Skills & Qualities:

• Associate’s Degree or higher in a technical program and 4+ years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.

• The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, a penchant for collaborative teamwork, and openness to continuous learning and working in a dynamic, research-centric environment.

• Robust technical acumen with a knack for resolving mechanical challenges, as well as familiarity or keen interest in cement and concrete materials testing, are a plus.

• Previous experience or strong willingness to learn about research space management is preferred.

• A proactive attitude towards safety, health, and environmental protocols is highly desired.

What We Offer:

• A challenging and fulfilling role at the cutting edge of material science.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

• Collaborative and encouraging work culture.

• Competitive remuneration and benefits.

This is a limited-term appointment for 3 years with a possibility of renewal. If you have a passion for rolling up your sleeves, delving into the heart of technical challenges, and collaboratively fostering innovation, we invite you to apply to join our team at the Re-AIM Laboratory. Come make a tangible difference with us!

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit a CV and a brief cover letter detailing their relevant experience.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

University Park, PA

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