Graduate Research Assistant – Engineering

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Recruitment began on June 23, 2026

and the job listing Expires on June 25, 2026

On-Campus Jobs

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SUMMARY: The Graduate Research Assistant combines graduate research responsibilities with laboratory operations and technical support. This position conducts original research while pursuing their master’s degree in Engineering and simultaneously supports instructional laboratory infrastructure, ensuring laboratories are safe, operational, properly maintained, and compliant with ABET accreditation requirements.

JOB DETAILS: This position is available during Fall and Spring semesters and requires a commitment of a minimum 20 hours per week and is campus based. Responsibilities are divided between research activities and laboratory operations. Compensation includes a full tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours per semester and a stipend of $4,462 per semester. To apply, submit the following materials: (1) Current Curriculum Vitae (CV), (2) Cover letter containing your personal and academic information, research interests, laboratory operations experience, and how this assistantship aligns with your career objectives. Your cover letter should include your preferred faculty supervisor(s), if any, and list your top three research areas of interest.

Research Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts original research under faculty supervision; develops work plans in accordance with research objectives and prepares reports as needed Performs integrated project management of relevant research domains: scope, communications, time, cost, quality, resources, risk, and stakeholders Maintains accurate research records and assists with preparation of publications Presents findings at the Graduate Research Symposium and submits at least one publication to a peer-reviewed journal or professional conference prior to graduation Participates in regular meetings with faculty supervisor and maintains confidentiality of research information Assists with faculty teaching and research activities; provides tutoring support to undergraduate students

Laboratory Operations & Technical Support Responsibilities:

Supports development, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory safety policies, SOPs, and rules; provides and documents safety training for students Enforces compliance with safety requirements including PPE, machine/electrical safety, and chemical handling; conducts and documents regular laboratory safety inspections Serves as contact person for assigned laboratory equipment; develops and maintains preventive maintenance and calibration schedules for critical instruments Diagnoses basic equipment problems, performs first-level repairs, coordinates vendor service; monitors equipment condition and assists with equipment lifecycle planning Collaborates with instructors to plan laboratory exercises supporting ABET-aligned outcomes; sets up and tests laboratory experiments in advance Provides in-laboratory technical support during sessions; assists with equipment operation and troubleshooting Maintains current inventory of laboratory equipment, tools, software licenses, and major assets; tracks and manages consumables Obtains quotes, prepares purchase requisitions, tracks orders and deliveries; assists with developing annual and multi-year budget needs Coordinates scheduling of laboratories and shared project spaces; manages access control systems (keys, card access, sign-in procedures) Provides laboratory tours and demonstrations for prospective students, donors, and advisory board members Maintains organized documentation of safety training, SOPs, incident reports, and equipment inventories; provides information and data for ABET self-study reports Participates in departmental recruitment and promotional activities Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have earned bachelor’s degree in Engineering or closely related field and currently enrolled in the Engineering graduate program (thesis option) at St. Mary’s University Must be in good academic and student conduct standing Must demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality Must demonstrate proficiency in research methodologies and ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse and dynamic community Must have knowledge of laboratory safety practices and protocols; commitment to maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance Must have technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities related to laboratory equipment and instrumentation Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom or similar platforms) Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills are necessary in person, writing and by phone; strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences Strong organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and detail oriented; ability to balance competing priorities between research and operational demands Excellent customer service skills with ability to provide service to the university community; professional demeanor, appearance and strong work ethic Ability to take initiative, work independently, meet timelines, organize information, attend to details, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment Previous research experience, technical writing skills, and laboratory management or technical support experience preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to move across the university campus to conduct day to day business While performing this role, the employee will be regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment and laboratory instruments; and occasionally required to lift and move equipment and materials up to 50 pounds Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery; regularly operates laboratory equipment and instrumentation

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apply Now

SUMMARY: The Graduate Research Assistant combines graduate research responsibilities with laboratory operations and technical support. This position conducts original research while pursuing their master’s degree in Engineering and simultaneously supports instructional laboratory infrastructure, ensuring laboratories are safe, operational, properly maintained, and compliant with ABET accreditation requirements.

JOB DETAILS: This position is available during Fall and Spring semesters and requires a commitment of a minimum 20 hours per week and is campus based. Responsibilities are divided between research activities and laboratory operations. Compensation includes a full tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours per semester and a stipend of $4,462 per semester. To apply, submit the following materials: (1) Current Curriculum Vitae (CV), (2) Cover letter containing your personal and academic information, research interests, laboratory operations experience, and how this assistantship aligns with your career objectives. Your cover letter should include your preferred faculty supervisor(s), if any, and list your top three research areas of interest.

Research Responsibilities:

Conducts original research under faculty supervision; develops work plans in accordance with research objectives and prepares reports as needed Performs integrated project management of relevant research domains: scope, communications, time, cost, quality, resources, risk, and stakeholders Maintains accurate research records and assists with preparation of publications Presents findings at the Graduate Research Symposium and submits at least one publication to a peer-reviewed journal or professional conference prior to graduation Participates in regular meetings with faculty supervisor and maintains confidentiality of research information Assists with faculty teaching and research activities; provides tutoring support to undergraduate students

Laboratory Operations & Technical Support Responsibilities:

Supports development, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory safety policies, SOPs, and rules; provides and documents safety training for students Enforces compliance with safety requirements including PPE, machine/electrical safety, and chemical handling; conducts and documents regular laboratory safety inspections Serves as contact person for assigned laboratory equipment; develops and maintains preventive maintenance and calibration schedules for critical instruments Diagnoses basic equipment problems, performs first-level repairs, coordinates vendor service; monitors equipment condition and assists with equipment lifecycle planning Collaborates with instructors to plan laboratory exercises supporting ABET-aligned outcomes; sets up and tests laboratory experiments in advance Provides in-laboratory technical support during sessions; assists with equipment operation and troubleshooting Maintains current inventory of laboratory equipment, tools, software licenses, and major assets; tracks and manages consumables Obtains quotes, prepares purchase requisitions, tracks orders and deliveries; assists with developing annual and multi-year budget needs Coordinates scheduling of laboratories and shared project spaces; manages access control systems (keys, card access, sign-in procedures) Provides laboratory tours and demonstrations for prospective students, donors, and advisory board members Maintains organized documentation of safety training, SOPs, incident reports, and equipment inventories; provides information and data for ABET self-study reports Participates in departmental recruitment and promotional activities Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have earned bachelor’s degree in Engineering or closely related field and currently enrolled in the Engineering graduate program (thesis option) at St. Mary’s University Must be in good academic and student conduct standing Must demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality Must demonstrate proficiency in research methodologies and ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a diverse and dynamic community Must have knowledge of laboratory safety practices and protocols; commitment to maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance Must have technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities related to laboratory equipment and instrumentation Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom or similar platforms) Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills are necessary in person, writing and by phone; strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences Strong organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and detail oriented; ability to balance competing priorities between research and operational demands Excellent customer service skills with ability to provide service to the university community; professional demeanor, appearance and strong work ethic Ability to take initiative, work independently, meet timelines, organize information, attend to details, and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment Previous research experience, technical writing skills, and laboratory management or technical support experience preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to move across the university campus to conduct day to day business While performing this role, the employee will be regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to operate standard office equipment and laboratory instruments; and occasionally required to lift and move equipment and materials up to 50 pounds Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus Frequently communicates with others using approved technological resources; must be able to exchange accurate information through designated systems within a timely manner Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery; regularly operates laboratory equipment and instrumentation

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.