Job Summary
The undergraduate research assistant will support an interdisciplinary air and water quality monitoring project led by Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science faculty at the University of Michigan-Flint. The research assistant will design, build, and maintain a hardware station to measure environmental data on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Responsibilities include hands-on hardware assembly, installation of sensors, periodic station maintenance, data collection/preprocessing, and contribution to the development of new water quality sensors. The student will also assist with drone-based air quality monitoring and public data dissemination (via a website).
Responsibilities*
- Assist with assembling, installing, and maintaining air and water quality monitoring stations.
- Collect and preprocess environmental sensor data at regular intervals.
- Participate in the development, testing, and calibration of new water quality sensors.
- Work on developing a future drone-based air quality measurements alongside the project team.
- Collaborate with other students and faculty in brainstorming and troubleshooting project challenges.
- Document procedures and assist with making data accessible to the community (potentially via a web platform).
Required Qualifications*
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan-Flint.
- Academic background in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field.
- Hands-on experience with basic electronics, sensors, and Raspberry Pi platforms.
- Ability to safely use basic hand and lab tools.
- Willingness to work on-site in laboratory and outdoor environments.
Desired Qualifications*
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills; ability to work respectfully with a diverse interdisciplinary team.
- Effective oral and written communication abilities, particularly for documenting procedures and sharing progress.
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MATLAB) is a plus.
- Interest in community-engaged research, environmental science, or sustainability.
- Familiarity with CAD, 3D printing technologies and web development, is a bonus.
- Proactive problem-solving attitude; flexible and receptive to learning new techniques.
Modes of Work
Hybrid
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of three calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fourth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.