The Undergraduate Research Assistant- Level 3 (URA3), will assist with department-related grant-funded research projects for the duration of the grant. The URA3 works under direct supervision of a Principal Investigator (PI) and/or Research Technician (RT). The URA3 is assigned duties and carries out research objectives and tasks as outlined by the PI based on the active grant(s)/contract(s). URA3 will be expected to be familiar with guidelines and protocols for lab safety and have an excellent grasp of lab manuals and laboratory terminology. URA3 must be capable to perform routine tasks outlined by the Principal Investigator related to a particular area of research. It is a position which will also be responsible for assisting URA1s and URA2s with work related to the grant. After demonstrating the ability to work independently, URA3 will be permitted to conduct routine experiments, field and laboratory tests, monitor record keeping, summarize results, and present them in a format requested by the Principal Investigator, including, but not limited to tables, charts, and graphs. In addition, under the supervision of PI or RT, URA3 should be proficient in use of lab equipment and able to assist other URAs with troubleshooting, maintaining, testing and calibrations of the equipment used for the particular grant. Off-hours and weekend work may be required.

• Demonstrate an understanding of engineering principles, processes and equipment.
• Functional with modeling software such as geometry construction in Solid Works and simple simulations in Fluent
• Sophistical data analyses, which may require programming in Matlab, Python, or Mathematica
• Competent with computer hardware and software associated with engineering principles
• Performs research directed toward investigation, evaluation, and application of known engineering theories and principles
• Capable of presenting findings at a conference or proceedings
• Perform engineering analyses/experiments to prove, or modify theoretical propositions
• Will be expected to have strong experience with equipment operations and maintenance (i.e. CNC-Machining equipment, HPC, Materials Analysis, etc.)

Additional information may be found here

The above statements describe the approximate nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel with this classification.  The job description may alter depending on the nature of the grant/contract that is being fulfilled.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission Serve as the point of contact for all URAs for items related to lab safety and operational procedures associated with particular laboratory equipment and techniques related to the grant Based on the guidance adopted by the PI for lab tools and techniques, supervise accurate record keeping of conducted research tasks for the work performed by Undergraduate Research Assistants of all levels Organize work, collect and assist with data analysis, make calculations, and participate in preparation of the official grant reports Perform assigned tasks with minimal oversight by the Principal Investigator and/or assigned Research Technician. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, tasked by PI and or RT to fulfill small portions of the research without supervision Demonstrate proficiency in preparing materials for publications and presentations and serve as the resource to URA1s and URA2s in these areas Consult URA1s and URA2s in preparation of progress reports. Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance Perform other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, with a minimum of five semesters completed
• Successful completion of 16 credit hours of 300-400 level courses in the associated field of research (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering) or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content
• 3.0 or higher GPA preferred (at PI discretion)

• 2+ years research related experience preferred
• Interested in pursuing research at the graduate level

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner
• Communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates
• Ability to effectively lead a team of lower level Research Assistants
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems primarily of a complex nature
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in at least two areas, i.e. such as operating instrumentation such as a SEM and subject matter knowledge such as Heat Transfer

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork, type on a keyboard, and complete research-related assays
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs (multiple flights) to move about the building
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business
• Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment of this position is a climate-controlled laboratory setting.  It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate. Other environments may include a machine shop to prepare components or an onsite visit to a local vendor.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid state-issued driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance are required.

Target Hire Date

2025-09-01

Time Type

Part time

Location

Lynchburg - In Office

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.