Position Title:Technical Project Specialist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Experience with system design, integration, and manufacturing processes, including GD&T and P&ID standards.
Prior experience in a research laboratory, particularly with PPE testing methodologies and equipment.
Proficiency in SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD.
Familiarity with industry regulations, including ASME, ASTM, OSHA, and NASA System Life Cycle.
Strong analytical skills, with experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and design of experiments (DOE).
Previous experience working on research and collaborating across a variety of stakeholders.
Job Description:
Iowa State University is seeking a Technical Project Specialist II to support and manage Laboratories for Functional Textiles and Protective Clothing (LABS) within the College of Health and Human Sciences. This role is essential in designing and maintaining cutting-edge testing equipment, managing technical projects, and contributing to interdisciplinary research on advanced personal protective equipment (PPE).
This position will play a key role in fostering innovation in PPE performance and functionality. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering and technical background, with expertise in system design, laboratory equipment, and technical software applications.
Key Responsibilities:
+ Design, develop, and maintain specialized PPE testing equipment to support ongoing research initiatives.
+ Manage technical projects, ensuring efficient execution, documentation, and alignment with research goals.
+ Collaborate with researchers, faculty, and industry partners to enhance PPE performance through innovative solutions.
+ Utilize technical software tools such as SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD for system design and analysis.
+ Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory testing and equipment maintenance.
+ Apply industry standards, including ASME, ASTM, OSHA, and NASA System Life Cycle, to ensure compliance in research and development efforts.
+ Conduct finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental design to optimize PPE materials and structures.
+ Assist with public outreach and interdisciplinary collaborations, engaging with industry professionals and stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
+ Innovative Research Environment: Work at the forefront of PPE development and safety.
+ Collaborative Culture: Engage with faculty, researchers, and industry leaders in multidisciplinary projects.
+ Cutting-Edge Facilities: Utilize state-of-the-art testing labs and advanced research tools.
+ Professional Growth: Opportunity to lead projects, develop technical expertise, and contribute to high-impact research.
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:March 16, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS810
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: February 11, 2025
Posting Close Date:February 18, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16398
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
