What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate (1-Year Contract) | Pipeline Hydro-Transport Project | U.S. Residents Only position at Northern Illinois University?
Contract Details:
• Position: Research Associate
• Type: Full-time, 1-year contract
• Location: Onsite at Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL)
• Start Date: May 15th or earlier
• Eligibility: Applicants must already reside in the U.S. and be legally eligible to work without sponsorship
• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience
About the Project:
Join an exciting, interdisciplinary research team exploring the use of pipelines to transport biomass slurries (woodchips, wheat straw, sawdust) as a cost-effective, scalable alternative to truck delivery. The work spans experimental testing, advanced flow visualization (PIV), and real-world implementation — including a case study for a 10-mile biomass pipeline in Eastport, Maine.
Key Responsibilities:
• Operate and modify a closed-loop biomass slurry pipeline testing facility
• Conduct experiments on pressure drop, pump performance, and drag reduction
• Utilize high-speed imaging and flow visualization tools (e.g., PIV)
• Analyze data and develop empirical models
• Co-author reports and peer-reviewed publications
• Assist with feasibility studies and case analyses
• Co-advise graduate students
• Collaborate with researchers at NIU, UIC, and industry partners
Minimum Qualifications:
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Hands-on experience with fluid mechanics experimental setups, including flow loops, pressure measurement systems, pumps, valves, and flow instrumentation (e.g., flow meters, pressure transducers)
• Deep knowledge and proven experience in fluid mechanics, multiphase/slurry flows, pump systems, and particle transport
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with PIV, shadowgraphy, or other flow visualization techniques
• Proven knowledge of heat exchanger design and thermal-fluid systems
• Proficiency in data acquisition and analysis tools (e.g., PLC, MATLAB, Python)
Salary : $2,500 - $3,000
