Undergraduate Research Assistant

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented undergraduate student to support ongoing experimental work in the lab, focusing on the separation of coarse particles. The project involves evaluating novel separation techniques and materials‑processing approaches, including high‑energy planetary ball milling and sample characterization workflows. This position is ideal for students interested in materials science, mineral processing, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields who want to gain hands‑on research experience in a laboratory setting.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student in Energy and Mineral Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow technical instructions precisely.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment; prior lab experience or coursework is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with high‑energy planetary ball milling experiments, including preparing milling jars and media, setting milling parameters (speed, time, ball‑to‑powder ratio), and operating equipment safely under supervision.
• Support sample handling and preparation for downstream analysis: labeling, sieving, and weighing milled or separated samples; organizing and cataloging samples for further testing such as XRD or surface area analysis.
• Assist with HydroFloat separation tests, including setup and monitoring of coarse particle feeds and slurry mixtures.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace and follow all lab safety protocols.
• Record experimental data and observations accurately in lab notebooks or electronic logs.
• Attend brief team check‑ins or research updates as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed