Research Associate (Short Term)

Job Summary

The School of Civil and Construction Engineering is seeking a Research Associate. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, position lasting approximately 6 months. The position supports projects administered by Dr. Parichehr Salimifard in the Sustainable Healthy and Resilient Buildings Lab within the School of Civil and Construction Engineering in College of Engineering.

Specific Tasks and Work Schedule

• Perform field work and provide laboratory support for research projects.
• Work in the lab and/or field research activities to help with various tasks including, but not limited to, building mechanical systems and indoor and outdoor air quality research equipment design and setup, data collection, and analysis, and general laboratory support and maintenance.
• Maintain organized and accurate research documentation and assist in the preparation of research reports, grant proposals, academic publications, and presentations.
• Aid in project management and coordinating lab activities, including project timelines, resource allocation, and communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD degree from an accredited institution in Architectural Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Track, Mechanical Engineering, or other related STEM discipline with a PhD dissertation and peer-reviewed publications focusing on Aerosol Science.
• Strong background with demonstrated track-record and experience in aerosol science and technology and designing and conducting aerosol science experiments.
• Experience in instrumentation, sensing, data acquisition, and setting up LabVIEW-based automatic control systems.
• Strong programming skills and experience with any of R/MATLAB/Python.
• Strong statistical data analysis/data science/machine learning skills.
• Track record of peer-reviewed journal publication.
• Track record of relevant research experience including data collection, data management, data analysis, and contributing to scholarly activities such as research reports, and peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong decision-making abilities, attention to details, self-directed, motivated, and successful at meeting project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups of students, researchers, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, with demonstrated track-record and experience in HVAC labs and capability in designing and conducting indoor air quality (IAQ), HVAC experiments.
• Track record of grant writing.
• Experience and background in building energy analysis and modeling and air quality modeling.
• Experience managing activities within a research lab, executing QALPs, and managing lab safety.
• Experience working with and supervising undergraduate and graduate students.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026, and the anticipated end date is January 31, 2027.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.