The Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) role will assist with department-related grant-funded research projects for the duration of the grant. The URA works under direct supervision of the assigned Principal Investigator (PI) or Research Technician (RT). Responsibilities and tasks are assigned based on active grant(s)/contract(s). Off-hours and weekend work may be required at all levels.

The following 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

All Levels and Disciplines

• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission.
• Maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain accurate records of conducted research based on the adopted by the lab tools and techniques.
• Meet with faculty supervisor to maintain an ongoing assessment of the performance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Additional information may be found here

Level 1

• Learn and follow lab procedures to be able to effectively schedule, organize, and report on the status of conducted research.
• Become proficient in performing routine tasks assigned by the Principal Investigator.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Assist faculty in preparing materials for publications and presentations.
• Write progress reports.

• For Natural Science-related position:

  • Perform technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical or biological tests/experiments

  • Preparation, handling, and care for lab animals

  • Obtain, prepare, mount, and stain tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations
  • Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions

  • Clean lab equipment

  • Inventory Supplies

• For Applied Science-related positions:

  • Basic understanding of engineering equipment and processes.      

  • Plot data in a software package such as Excel, Matlab, or Mathematica

  • Order articles from the library
  • Familiar with or capable of learning computer hardware and software for engineering applications
  • Performs research tasks as directed under supervision toward investigation, evaluation, and application of known engineering theories and principles
  • Perform very basic engineering analyses/experiments (i.e. such as calculate density of a sample)
  • Become competent in at least one piece of engineering equipment

Level 2

• Demonstrate exemplary behavior in creating and promoting a safe work environment.
• Organize work, collect and assist with data analysis, and make calculations.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in performing and developing assigned tasks.
• Per the Principal Investigator’s request, assist lower-level personnel with their responsibilities.
• Demonstrate some proficiency in preparing materials for publications and presentations.
• Supervise the preparation and writing of progress reports.

• For Natural Science-related position:

  • Perform technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, or biological tests/experiments

  • Preparation, handling, and care for lab animals

  • Obtain, prepare, mount, and stain tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations
  • Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions
  • Clean lab equipment
  • Inventory Supplies

• For Applied Science-related positions:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of engineering principles, processes, and equipment.
  • Data analyses, which may require programming in Matlab, Python, or Mathematica.
  • Simple literature surveys and order articles from the library
  • Familiar with computer hardware and software associated with engineering principles
  • Capable of some independent research directed toward investigation, evaluation, and application of known engineering theories and principles
  • Perform limited engineering analyses/experiments to prove or modify theoretical propositions
  • Will be expected to have some experience with equipment operations and maintenance. (i.e., CNC-Machining equipment, HPC, Materials Analysis, etc.)
  • Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office and other Engineering software like FEA or CAD, etc.
  • Demonstrate in-depth problem-solving in one area of technology or Engineering discipline, such as operating instrumentation like a SEM or subject matter knowledge, such as Heat Transfer.
  • URA2 will need to become competent on at least two pieces of engineering equipment, maintain supplies, and prepare equipment for testing.

Level 3

• 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 adopted by the lab tools and techniques, supervise accurate record keeping of conducted research 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, demonstrating the ability to work independently and 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.

• For Natural Science-related positions:

  • Perform technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, or biological tests/experiments
  • Preparation, handling, and care for lab animals
  • Obtain, prepare, mount, and stain tissue, blood, and other substances for microscopic examinations
  • Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions
  • Clean lab equipment
  • Inventory Supplies

• For Applied Science-related departments:

  • Demonstrate a mastery 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 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.)

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Natural Science-related positions:

• Prior focus on science and math curriculum in high school.
• Current enrollment in the undergraduate degree program.
• Satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or higher GPA).

Level 1

• Successful completion of BIOL 225, CHEM 122 (or CHEM 132), or equivalent coursework and/or knowledge of the material.

Level 2

• 1+ year(s) of grant-related experience preferred.
• Successful completion of 8 credit hours of 300–400 level courses in the field of research (BIOL, CHEM, or BCHM), or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content.

Level 3

• 2+ year(s) of grant-related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing research at the graduate level.
• Successful completion of 16 credit hours of 300–400 level courses in the field of research (BIOL, CHEM, or BCHM), or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content.
• Documented sufficient experience to conduct research covered by the grant.
• Documented exemplary record of previous work conducted in the same area of research or areas closely related to the project.

Applied Science-related positions:

• Prior focus on science and math curriculum in high school.

• Current enrollment in the undergraduate degree program.

• Satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or higher GPA).

• Coursework in Engineering/Math foundations or equivalent knowledge of the material.

Level 1

• Successful completion of MATH 131 (Calculus & Analytical Geometry I), ENGR 133 (Calculus with MATLAB), ENGR 125 (Visualization for Engineers), and ENGR 110 (Introduction to Engineering Fundamentals), or equivalent coursework/knowledge.

Level 2

• 1+ year(s) of grant-related experience preferred.
• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, with a minimum of three semesters completed.
• Successful completion of 8 credit hours of 300–400 level courses in the field of research (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content.

Level 3

• 2+ year(s) of grant-related experience preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing research at the graduate level.
• 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 field of research (Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering), or equivalent knowledge of the material and techniques covered in the content.

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.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong aptitude to learn new skills, i.e., teachable
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

• Level 1: Perform engineering analyses involving routine laboratory procedures. 

• Level 2: Resolve most technical issues from Research Assistants I.

• Level 3: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in at least two areas, i.e., operating instrumentation like a SEM and subject matter knowledge such as Heat Transfer.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Operate laboratory and experimental testing equipment after proper training and/or certification.
• 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 tasks.
• 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.
• Level 3: Excellent dexterity to facilitate the precise handling of extremely small volumes of solutions and to perform animal surgeries.

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 vender.

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 is required.

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.