Research Jobs in Oregon

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering invites applications for a part-time (0.50 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

This position resides in Oregon State University’s Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering’s Openly Published Environmental Sensing Lab (open-sensing.org) under the guidance of Dr. Chet Udell and Dr. John Selker. The OPEnS Lab is at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation in open-source hardware and environmental sensing. Our mission is to create accessible and cutting-edge technology solutions that empower researchers, educators, and communities worldwide.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for supporting the design, development, and validation of electronic (embedded, analog, and digital) systems across lab projects, with a primary focus on mentoring student teams and ensuring high-quality design practices. Responsibilities include reviewing and advising on analog and digital circuit designs, PCB layouts, embedded systems integration, and power systems, including solar and battery-based applications. The incumbent will provide guidance on component selection, datasheet interpretation, and system-level design decisions, and will support the evaluation of power consumption and development of energy budgets to ensure reliable system performance. Seeking feedback from student teams on design performance and issues discovered in lab and field trials to iterate and improve systems is expected. The incumbent’s technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and communication skills will be essential in supporting effective design processes across multiple teams. At times the incumbent may be asked to design electronic systems independently from student teams.

The incumbent will work closely with student teams to conduct regular design reviews, provide hands-on troubleshooting support, and guide the development of structured diagnostic approaches. The incumbent will assist in identifying and resolving circuit, layout, and system integration issues, and will provide feedback to help ensure designs are ready for fabrication and deployment. The incumbent will support the development of training materials and best-practice guidelines, and will help establish and reinforce design standards and workflows while maintaining a learning-focused environment.

The incumbent will also support and advise the maintenance and improvement of electronics lab infrastructure, including tools, testing equipment, and design environments, and will assist in maintaining organized and consistent design file repositories across projects. All duties include working with diverse student populations, including ethnic minorities, older than average students, students with disabilities, and those enrolled from remote areas, some of which are outside the U.S. Important aspects of the work include frequent interaction with students and faculty, strong attention to detail, and the ability to balance technical rigor with mentorship in a dynamic academic and research environment.

There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 40% Student Mentorship and Design Review: Coordinate with student teams to review and guide electronic system designs, including analog and digital circuits, embedded systems, sensor integration, and power systems. Conduct regular design reviews and provide actionable feedback to support high-quality design practices. Guide students in component selection, datasheet interpretation, and system-level decision-making. Evaluate power consumption and support development of energy budgets to ensure reliable system performance. Provide recommendations to improve designs and require revisions when necessary to ensure readiness for fabrication and implementation. Support iteration and improvement of systems based on feedback from student teams and observed performance outcomes.

• 25% Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Support: Diagnose and troubleshoot electronic systems, including circuit, layout, and system integration issues. Provide hands-on support to debug and repair systems when needed while guiding students through structured diagnostic approaches. Identify root causes of failures and support development of student skills in independent troubleshooting and problem-solving. Utilize lab instrumentation and tools to evaluate system behavior and performance. Support iteration and improvement of systems based on feedback from student teams and observed performance outcomes from lab and field trials.

• 15% Independent Design and Technical Development: At times, independently design electronic systems or subsystems to support lab projects, prototypes, or infrastructure needs. Contribute to the development and refinement of design standards, best practices, and technical approaches used across the lab.

• 10% Lab Infrastructure and Systems Support: Support and advise the maintenance and improvement of electronics lab infrastructure, including tools, testing equipment, and design environments. Assist in maintaining organized and consistent design file repositories and workflows across projects. Contribute to the development of training materials, guides, and documentation to support effective and consistent use of lab systems and tools.

• 5% Reporting and data analysis, publication and grant writing.

• 5% Other Duties as Needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field and one year of experience in electronic system design, development, troubleshooting, or validation.

Experience must include analog and digital circuit design; microcontroller-based embedded systems; PCB design and layout; diagnosing and troubleshooting electronic systems; interpreting technical datasheets and applying manufacturer specifications; evaluating designs for quality, reliability, and manufacturability; and using standard electronics lab instrumentation (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies).

Demonstrated ability to mentor and communicate technical concepts to learners with varying levels of experience; guide design processes and recommend revisions prior to fabrication; and balance hands-on technical support with student-led learning.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience mentoring or training students or junior engineers and conducting design reviews to improve circuit design, PCB layout, and system integration.

Experience designing or evaluating power systems, including solar, battery management, voltage regulation, power consumption, and system-level energy budgets; experience supporting iterative system improvement based on performance outcomes and user feedback.

Experience with sensor integration in research or environmental sensing contexts; familiarity with wireless or RF systems (e.g., LoRa, cellular) preferred.

Experience with Fusion 360/Eagle and familiarity with KiCad or other PCB design tools preferred; experience developing design standards, workflows, training materials, or technical documentation across multiple projects.

Experience supporting electronics lab infrastructure, tools, and design environments; ability to maintain organized design file repositories; and ability to work independently while coordinating with leadership to implement and refine technical processes.

Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbent will engage with tasks in a maker space and lab environment. Periods of standing for up to 30 min at a time is likely. Hours will mostly be during business hours, but some work over non-standard hours may be required to complete work.

COMPENSATION

• Pay Method: Hourly

• Pay Period: 16th - 15th of the following month

• Pay Date: Last working day of the month

• Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $24.04 - $36.06

LOCATION

Job Location: Corvallis

BENEFITS

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

• Retirement savings paid by the university.

• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) Publications

4) Transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.

Letters of Reference will be requested on finalists only. When applying, you will be asked to provide the email address and telephone number for (state #) referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For additional information please contact:

Chet Udell

udellc@oregonstate.edu

362-328-9436

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. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.