Faculty Research Assistant (Internal Employment Opportunity)
Oregon State University
Oregon, USA · Corvallis, OR, USA
Posted on Oct 30, 2025
Position Information
| Department | Earth, Ocean & Atmo Sci (OAS) |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Faculty Research Assistant |
| Job Title | Faculty Research Assistant (Internal Employment Opportunity) |
| Appointment Type | Academic Faculty |
| Job Location | Corvallis |
| Benefits Eligible | Part-Time, benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Job Summary | This is an Internal Employment Opportunity. The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for a part-time (0.75 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean. This Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) contributes to the observational and experimental research enterprise within the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) through the design, development, production, deployment, and documentation of custom devices and systems for the sensing and sampling of the physical, chemical, geological, and biological characteristics of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. The FRA is an integral part of the CEOAS Machine and Technical Development (CMTD) Facility team. In addition, this position contributes to controlled in-field and laboratory experimental and analytical systems. The FRA will participate in proof-of-concept field and lab trials of such systems. All of these developmental efforts contribute to the research stature that makes CEOAS unique in observational and experimental natural sciences in the international community. The design and development of technical research solutions will contribute to scholarly activities including field-based research programs, and to the development of technical methodology that is central to the publication of scientific research. The FRA will contribute to the writing of technical documents and reports, may be included in the process of writing methodological sections of peer- reviewed scientific publications, and will be acknowledged appropriately in publications by university faculty. The FRA reports directly to the CMTD supervisor, Ben Russell. |
| Why OSU? | Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. • Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. |
| Key Responsibilities | 20%: Participates in the observational and experimental research enterprise within CEOAS through collaboration on the design, development, deployment, and documentation of custom devices and systems for the sensing and sampling of the physical, chemical, geological, and biological characteristics of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Makes design-level decisions that will affect the achievement of ultimate research objectives, while maximizing design robustness, and efficiency. Designs and develops systems and instrumentation for field and laboratory research and contributes to the writing of methodological sections of technical reports and scientific publications describing these instruments and systems. Drives Motor Pool vehicles, College/University owned vehicles, and/or personal vehicles to and between work sites. 50%: Produces systems and components using technology including, but not limited to, manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling and lathe work; metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding; and performs other general shop fabrication tasks. 15%: Directly participates in implementation of controlled field and laboratory trials and tests of experimental and analytical systems. In collaboration with CMTD Facility Manager and faculty, determines best practices for in-field and in-lab use of equipment. Collects and compiles data; maintains accurate records of experiments and information; interprets results; and summarizes information for PI’s use. 15%: General Position Management: maintains professional records and financial reports, tools, and machines; organizes shop and cleans up. Work collaboratively with CMTD co-workers, CEOAS faculty, and students and contribute to a work environment that is safe, respectful and inclusive. |
| What You Will Need |
This position requires 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 University Policy 05-030. |
| What We Would Like You to Have |
|
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | This position will be required to work at various sites, including CMTD shops and laboratories on the Oregon State University (OSU) Corvallis campus, at the Ship Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and at field experimentation sites that may include remote locations or at-sea research vessels. Position requires the ability to work at sea as needed to perform equipment field tests. Overnight trips may be required depending on test type and duration. This position requires the ability to work productively and constructively in physically and environmentally challenging conditions, including outdoors in all weather conditions and in a machine shop environment with exposure to machining debris and noise. Position duties require the ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 50 pounds and to work with non-restricted chemicals. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and required to be worn as dictated by established safety protocols. |
| Pay Method | Salary |
| Pay Period | 1st through the last day of the month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Recommended Full-Time Salary Range | Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience. |
| Link to Position Description |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P09537UF |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 12/01/2025 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | |
| Posting Date | 10/29/2025 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 11/06/2025 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / Internal |
| Special Instructions to Applicants | This is an Internal Employment Opportunity. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. For additional information please contact: Ben Russell at Ben.Russell@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-2567. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. |