Job No. 157895
- Job Title:
- Student Technical Assistant (Chemical Lab Assistant) - Wood Science Engineering
- Employer:
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Oregon State University (OSU)
- Location:
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Corvallis , OR
- Posting Date:
- 04-Mar-2026
- Description:
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Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one (1) part-time (a maximum of 20 hours per week) Student Technical Assistant positions as needed with the Department of Wood Science and Engineering (WSE) at Oregon State University (OSU).
The Student Technical Assistants will perform routine and occasionally complex tasks in support of various industry and academic supported research projects on the performance and durability of various products. Work may include lab research and chemical lab operations.
The approximate hours worked per week will vary depending on the needs of the project, but will not exceed 20 hours per week during academic terms.
Transferable Skill Development
OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below:
Critical Thinking, Professionalism, and Technology.
Position Duties
Work in a chemical laboratory performing chemical reactions, chemical analyses, instrument operation, general cleanup duties, chemical purchasing, report and publication writing and presentations to various audiences depending on the project
Work with hazardous chemicals and/or materials as needed, depending on the project.
Prepare wood samples for testing
Test wood and wood composite materials for hardness, screw withdrawal, bending, and compression strength
Breakdown panels into sample pieces
Manage data in Microsoft Excel
Use all manner of common lab equipment, such as microscopes, scales, measurement devices, testing machines, power saws, and data collection systems to address project goals
Produce photography and videos (e.g., create time-lapse videos of product behavior in varying humidity conditions)
Drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, and/or college or university owned vehicles to collect samples and pick up/drop off materials at other facilities, as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements
Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.
Additional Required Qualifications
Must complete Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) online Lab Safety Training(s) within three days of hire
Must complete appropriate Wood Science and Engineering safety training(s) within three days of hire
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
Current Renewable Materials student in Wood Science and Engineering
Prior experience and/or familiarity working in a chemical laboratory
A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Anticipated hours per week: 20 hours
The ability to lift/push/pull/carry up to 50 pounds may be required
These positions work in a lab/shop environment. This may require exposure to dust, noise, and/or chemicals
The ability to work evenings and/or weekends may be required as needed to complete experiments and projects
The incumbent may be required to work alone or off campus, depending on the project.
The ability to drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, and/or university or college owned vehicles may be required
- Contact information:
- Oregon State University (OSU)
- Corvallis, OR 97331
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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