Research Associate- WM Keck Center

The purpose of this position is to manage additive manufacturing (AM) projects (e.g., laser characterization and laser scanning technology specific to laser powder bed fusion) within the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation to advance additive manufacturing research at UTEP. This includes operating AM equipment, analyzing results, mentoring student researchers, and assisting with educational activities as needed.

Essential Functions

General Duties:

• Conducts, monitors, and analyzes research projects and data.
• Uses statistical methods for the relational databases to analyze data sets.
• Prepares reports of research findings.
• Conducts data-gathering experiment and tests.
• Authors or edits technical reports, summaries of findings, and/or publications in technical journals.
• Assists with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.
• Assists with formulating research objectives, programs, and priorities.
• Designs and creates computer programs for research applications.
• Trains users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Has knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and the ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Keck Center-Specific Duties:

• Manages designated training and research projects focused on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF).
• Reports progress to Associate Director and interfaces regularly with other Keck Center directors and staff to provide updates as needed.
• Operates LPBF equipment as needed.
  • Performs routine beam measurements and scanner data analysis
  • Completes build file setup and plate scans
  • Assists with LPBF sensing capabilities
• Identifies when something is not right in the LPBF process and works towards resolving the issue.
• Implements his/her knowledge of standard components in a LPBF system.
• Participates in the development of standard operation procedures or work instructions for LPBF.
• Operates materials testing and/or characterization equipment, analyzes data obtained, and interprets such data for publications, presentations, or other relevant communications.
• Mentors Keck Center students by training them in equipment operation, data analysis, and communication. This may include providing career mentoring to help guide students towards success.
  • Trains and assists students in the setup and execution of beam measurements using different measurement systems.
  • Provides training on build file setup and plate scan procedures for students across all LPBF systems in the laboratory.
  • Trains undergraduate and graduate students in statistics-based design of experiments.
  • Provides guidance on circuitry and controls using LabView or other relevant data acquisition software
  • Creates presentations and drafts technical reports based on research findings and relays such information to the funding agency or to colleagues in a way that can be understood.

Assists with additional LPBF communications (publications, media, agency, program collaborators, equipment/instrument vendors, industry, etc.)

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in engineering or science

and

Experience: 3 years of experience operating laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) equipment, including but not limited to, powder handling, machine set up, part removal, post processing, and documentation of the work.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree with progress towards a Ph.D. Degree in Engineering or Science. Has experience using and evaluating LPBF processes, with specific experience in monitoring and data analysis.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 50 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.