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

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

IT, Other Engineering
Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 14.7-21 / hour
Posted on Apr 3, 2025
Apply now
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 $14.70 (Standard); $13.70 (Non-Urban); $15.95 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $21.00 (Standard); $20.50 (Non-Urban); $21.50 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill two 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.
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: http://fa.oregonstate.edu/stu-manual/500-employment-eligibility-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

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 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position may require driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the University; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions (as per Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq.
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
Apply now
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