Research Specialist PT - Mechanical Engineering - Temporary Part-time (No benefits) - 527526
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Research Specialist PT - Mechanical Engineering - Temporary Part-time (No benefits) - 527526
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
- Engineering
- Research/Scientific
- Closing at: Nov 12 2025 - 22:55 CST
Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $23.37 - Midpoint: $29.23 (Hourly N7)
Department/Organization: 214271 - Mechanical Engineering
Normal Work Schedule: Varies
Job Summary: The Research Specialist PT works with departmental staff to design and conduct research projects on a part-time basis.
Additional Department Summary: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama is seeking a part-time Research Specialist that will report to Dr. Keivan Davami. The research focus for this position will be advanced surface engineering and laser-based manufacturing methods, with particular emphasis on the laser peening and laser machining. The goal of the funded project is to explore and understand the effects of heat treatment on the property of shape memory alloys after laser machining, using advanced characterization techniques.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher.
Skills and Knowledge: Experience in proposal writing and familiarity with the physics of laser–material interactions. Strong research expertise and relevant industrial experience in applying laser-based processes to various materials and in particular, shape memory alloys.
Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Ability to conduct scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as well as sample preparation using a focused ion beam (FIB) for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Established record of peer-reviewed publications in the materials science field.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
Please note, all Employment positions close at 10:55pm CST.
Non-Exempt positions are posted a minimum of 3 days. Exempt positions are posted a minimum of 7 days. Faculty positions are posted a minimum of 30 days.
Need help?
Please email the Human Resources Department at hr@ua.edu or contact us by phone at (205)-348-7732. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases.
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Supplemental Links
EEOC Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Family and Medical Leave Act
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
The University’s Annual Security Report contains information on campus safety statistics as well as University Safety and Security Policies. It can be viewed online or by request to UAPD at ua.police@ua.edu.
