Accelerated Pavement Testing Research Assistant

About the role

• Department
• Institute of Utility Security and Resilience (IUSR)-OPS
• Compensation $16.00 to 18.00 Hourly

The OPS Research Assistants will monitor and oversee the HVS's operation. They will also complete various research projects under the mentorship of UNF and FDOT engineers. The researcher will support the overall project effort by completing routine tasks such as initial data evaluation and developing presentation materials.

This part-time position assists with engineering research in support of the Accelerated Pavement Testing program (APT) on-site at the Florida Department of Transportation State Materials Office (SMO) in Gainesville, Florida. Research assistants will operate and maintain research machinery, collect and analyze research data, and assist with hands-on research tasks.

The APT uses two Heavy Vehicle Simulators (HVS) to simulate traffic loading on pavement test sections. Using a combination of electric drive and hydraulics, the HVS can apply up to a 32,000 lb load for up to 12,000 tire passes per day on a test section. This simulated load is used to test pavement designs and placement methods.

Using vendor-supplied software as well as software developed in-house, on-board data acquisition systems collect real-time data including tire load, test speed, temperatures, hydraulic pressures, as well as voltage and current data.

Additionally, pavement deformation and cracking information are recorded by automated methods.

• The APT Research Assistant will support the APT effort by performing job duties which include the following:
• Operate and monitor the HVS equipment during testing; log any malfunctions or errors, as well as report malfunctions or errors to the operations supervisor.
• Safely perform required maintenance tasks as directed (after appropriate training).
• Assist in data analysis using computer software.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications require a high school diploma with relevant research/engineering work experience.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• LabVIEW experience is a plus.
• Engineering students are encouraged to apply.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a "Responsible Employee" pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University's Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.