JOB TITLE
Research Associate

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Fire Protection Engineering - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The FPE Research Associate will assist lab staff with the daily operation and maintenance of the Fire Science Laboratory. The Research Associate will assist with equipment maintenance, instrument calibration, experimental apparatus design and installation, inventory tracking, enforcement of laboratory safety procedures, and completion of assigned experiments and service to industry projects. The Research Associate will provide expert operation of all equipment and tools and will provide training to lab staff, students, and faculty.

The Research Associate will report directly to the FPE Lab Director. The Research Associate will supervise lab users and provide critical information to the Director on laboratory status and will help the Director enhance the overall capabilities, safety, and productivity of the FPE Fire Science Laboratory.

The ideal candidate will possess either experience as a laboratory technician or experience in the construction industry with experience in installing, servicing, and troubleshooting machinery and electrical systems

JOB DESCRIPTION

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assure adherence to safety procedures of all users of the fire science laboratory
  
  
• Ensure proper operation and calibration of research instrumentation, tools, and equipment
  
  
• Keep accurate instrument calibration and maintenance records
  
  
• Assist in keeping an accurate inventory of equipment, manuals, data books, materials, and supplies
  
  
• Assist in the design, layout, fabrication, and assembly of experimental setups
  
  
• Complete service to industry contracts and assist in the preparation of service to industry test reports
  
  
• Provide guidance and assistance to students with design and technical terminology
  
  
• Help faculty, staff, and students in finding information on parts and equipment
  
  
• Assist with lab demonstrations for faculty, students, and visitors
  
  Perform housekeeping duties and lab maintenance
• 
  
  Performs other lab related duties as required
  
  Requirements:
  
  
• A high school diploma (or GED), and 1+ years of experience in a testing or laboratory environment.
  
  
• Understanding of residential or commercial building practices with knowledge of residential and/or commercial electrical work
  
  
• Experience with troubleshooting instrumentation and/or equipment with diagnostic equipment, especially electrical and sensor diagnostics.
  
  
• Experience with a wide range of manufacturing tools and processes
  
  
• The ability to multi-task, problem solve, and prioritize, assigned work
  
  
• Basic computer skills, and basic data acquisition
  
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
  
  
• Must be physically fit and able to bend, squat, crawl, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds
  
  
• Familiarity with testing and research environment a plus
  
  FLSA STATUS
  United States of America (Exempt)
  
  WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
  
  To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Research-Associate_R0002952
  
  About WPI
  WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.
  
  Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
  WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.