Temporary Research Aide - Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is currently accepting applications for a Temporary Research Aide.

About the Opportunity

This position is to assist the development and characterization of materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), as well as photocatalysts for solar-driven chemical reactions.

Responsibilities include - assisting with the synthesis of ceramic and catalyst materials, conducting basic laboratory experiments (such as calcination, sintering, and powder processing), and performing data analysis under supervision. Students will also gain hands-on experience with material characterization techniques such as XRD and SEM. This is a valuable opportunity to develop research skills and contribute to impactful projects in clean energy and sustainable technologies.

What You'll Do

• Material synthesis using solid-state reaction, sol-gel, or combustion methods.
• Powder processing including mixing, milling, drying, and sieving.
• Pellet pressing or tape casting to form ceramic samples or catalyst supports.
• Thermal treatments such as calcination and sintering to achieve phase formation and densification.
• Electrochemical testing (e.g., impedance spectroscopy, I-V characterization) for SOFC/SOEC materials.
• Photocatalytic activity testing under light irradiation for hydrogen production or pollutant degradation.
• Surface area and porosity measurement.
• Data recording, plotting, and interpretation using software tools such as Origin, Excel.
• The percentage of the time for each task is hard to predict as it is discovery-based research work. They will be carried out based on the need.

Pay Grade: 10

Work Hours: 30 Hours per Week

Length of Assignment: Approximately 4 Months

• Associate degree in a related field (chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or other engineering and science disciplines).
• 0-6 months of experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of general chemistry and materials science concepts (e.g., structure, bonding, phases).
• Willingness to work in a laboratory environment and follow safety procedures.
• Ability to measure, mix, and handle powders and chemical solutions with care.
• Comfortable with basic laboratory tasks such as weighing, stirring, and labeling samples.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for recording and organizing data.
• Basic communication skills and willingness to learn from graduate students or faculty mentors.
• Punctuality, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
• Interest in clean energy, fuel cells, or catalysis (prior knowledge is a plus but not required).
• No prior research experience required, but any lab course or hands-on class is helpful.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.