ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST / ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Posting Number: SRGV8267

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Edinburg, Texas

Department: College of Engineering and Computer Science / Mechanical Engineering

FLSA: Exempt

Scope of Job:

Assistant Research Scientist

Under limited supervision and with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs complex research work by assisting in the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects. Manages the upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility.

Associate Research Scientist

Under limited supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs advanced research work by coordinating the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects. Manages the upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility.

Description of Duties:

Assistant Research Scientist

• Plans, conducts, monitors, and analyzes research projects to include interpreting results, developing nonstandard tests, recommending technology-based solutions, or determining computational strategies; formulates and monitors long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities; reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
• May assist in formulation of research objectives and programs and determine the scope of methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated; provides consultation relating to research design, planning, instrumentation, statistical analysis, and reporting; works with researchers on the development of experiments and interpretation of results for research and teaching.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research, demonstration, and evaluation activities; assists with conducting data quality assurance procedures; develops, improves, or customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods; prepares research data sets and documents data structure and definitions; may develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Writes technical papers or summary of findings and prepares standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests; coordinates or advises personnel in test procedures.
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data to include the use of statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets; prepares and provides presentations for professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public; communicates research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Ensures adherence to laboratory standards and practices to maximize safety and operational effectiveness; prepares and schedules equipment use during laboratory/research sessions; may diagnose equipment malfunctions, dismantle, and repair equipment; maintains laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoots malfunctions when needed; compiles and analyzes test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Trains users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Handles all issues relating to laboratory supplies, including ordering materials, maintaining inventory, and proper storage.
• Participates in proposal writing and coordination for external funds for equipment acquisitions; may be a Principle Investigator or Co-Principle Investigator.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Associate Research Scientist

• Coordinates, plans, develops, conducts, monitors, and analyzes research projects to include interpreting results, developing nonstandard tests, recommending technology-based solutions, or determining computational strategies; formulates and monitors long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities; reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
• Assists in formulating research objectives and programs and determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated; provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques; works with researchers on the development of experiments and interpretation of results for research and teaching.
• Develops policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research and evaluation activities; develops quality assurance procedures and conducts quality assurance reviews on research projects; develops, improves, or customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods; develops data models and databases; may develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Writes technical papers/reports and prepares standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests; directs, coordinates, or advises personnel in test procedures.
• Coordinates the collection, compilation, and analyzing of research data to include the use of statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets; prepares and provides presentations for professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public; communicates research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Ensures adherence to laboratory standards and practices to maximize safety and operational effectiveness; prepares and schedules equipment use during laboratory/research sessions; may diagnose equipment malfunctions, dismantle, and repair equipment; maintains laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoots malfunctions when needed; compiles and analyzes test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Trains users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Handles all issues relating to laboratory supplies, including ordering materials, maintaining inventory, and proper storage.
• Participates in proposal writing and coordination for external funds for equipment acquisitions; may be a Principle Investigator or Co-Principle Investigator.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• May be responsible for generating external funds to supplement/sustain a percentage of salary.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision Received: Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given: May train and supervise the work of others.

Required Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science or related engineering degree from an accredited University.

Preferred Education: N/A

Licenses/Certifications: None.

Required Experience: For Assistant Research Scientist: Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; of measurement, testing, and evaluation; and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies. For Associate Research Scientist: Four (4) years of relevant disciplinary experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; of measurement, testing, and evaluation; and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.

Preferred Experience: Experience in a relevant area.

Equipment: Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs.

Working Conditions: Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. May work some evenings and/or weekends. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively.

Physical Capabilities: N/A

Employment Category: Full-Time

Minimum Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date: 05/15/2025

Grant Funded Position: No

EEO Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.