Job Information
Iowa State University Research Scientist II in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Research Scientist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Preferred Qualifications:
• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline, or documented training, certifications, or licensure relevant to the position’s responsibilities.
• Experience working in soils or materials laboratories.
• Experience troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining soil, asphalt, and Portland cement concrete testing systems.
• Experience developing and executing hazard evaluations, PPE assessments, training, and laboratory standard operating procedures.
• Experience with laboratory quality management, proficiency evaluation, and system checks and calibration.
• Fabrication experience, notably in development and integration of custom test ensembles with automation components.
• Project management experience, notably execution of bench-scale through pilot-scale testing in the laboratory and field.
• Record of written proposals and technical publications.
• Background communicating and collaborating with various stakeholders.
Job Description:
The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) at Iowa State University seeks a Research Scientist II to manage the day-to-day operations in the geotechnical and materials engineering research and instructional fee-for-service laboratories and to coordinate activities at off-campus field locations as needed.
The Research Scientist II will be trained to manage a research laboratory operation with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, space, laboratory assets and project management. This position collaborates with others in and/or leads the development of technical specifications, design calculations, analytical methods selection and communications related to sampling, handling, testing and disposition of laboratory specimens and the integration of supporting laboratory test apparatus as required for projects. The Research Scientist II will have an opportunity to contribute to department geotechnical and materials engineering laboratory and field research activities.
All staff members are expected to interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
About you: The ideal candidate will have:
• Technical knowledge and abilities in geotechnical and materials engineering lab operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills
• The ability to create and maintain accurate records and develop a quality program for laboratory and field environments
• Accountability for operations and the safety and proficiency training of laboratory users and field workers
• Flexibility to work additional hours on occasion in response to the instructional and research laboratory management requirements of the position
Examples of Duties
• Provides support to faculty, students, staff, and external users of the labs with in-lab and field research and teaching activities.
• Acquires, maintains, and repairs laboratory assets.
• Supervises people working in the laboratory and in the field.
• Assists with laboratory courses in geotechnical and materials engineering, training development and delivery.
• Administers laboratory and field safety requirements.
• Financial management of the geotechnical and materials engineering fee-for-service operations.
• Collaboration with research teams and faculty within, and external to CCEE in the conduct of research and other project work is an important part of the role.
• Supervises graduate and undergraduate student employees and others as assigned.
Level Guidelines• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity• Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS808
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: April 1, 2024
Posting Close Date:May 12, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R14358
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.