Undergraduate Research Assistant - Carbon Materials/CAER

Job Title

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Carbon Materials/CAER

Requisition Number

DU14000

Department Name

40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res

Work Location:

Lexington, KY

Salary Range

$15.00/hour

Type Of Position

Student

Position Time Status

Part-Time

Required Education

HS diploma 0 years of experience.

Required Related Experience

Preference is given to students having completed one or more years of class work toward the Bachelor’s degree and students interested in full-time co-ops during alternating semesters thru the Math, Sciences and Engineering Co-op Office.

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Requires handling lightweight objects up to 10lbs: standing and walking

Shift

8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) provides experienced-based, hands-on training for undergraduate co-ops/interns under the supervision of a senior scientific mentor. The effort aims to increase research experiences for undergraduates where students work with faculty and staff on projects involving scholarship, creative work and/or research. The program exposes the co-op/intern to the real-world application of research, and provides an opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory, observe and practice the techniques and methodologies used in research, and associate with leading scientists and engineers in the field.

Applicants Would Be Involved In Research Including

• Working with graphite & hard carbon characterization, electrode fabrication, cell assembly and testing.
• Working with fiber fabrication and characterization
• Working with composite fabrication and characterization
• Working with coal to products processing
  
  

The successful candidate(s) for this appointment/position as an UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT will participate in multidisciplinary studies related to various aspects of materials and energy research: processing, analyses and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities: A sampling of duties and responsibilities the successful candidate will be engaged in are as follows:

• Equipment and Supplies
  
  

Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set-up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.

• Laboratory and Experimental Research
  
  

Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/ plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up to date log books and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.

• Results and Scholarly Output
  
  

Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.

• Instruction and Service
  
  

May be involved in the instruction and training of other students and employees, and providing technical services for the general public, government, industry and academic organizations.

• Occupational Safety
  
  

Maintains clean and safe working area and follows and prosecutes safety procedures. Stays up to date on appropriate use of tools, instruments, computers and analytical apparatus.

The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and other persons underrepresented in sciences, technology, engineering and math are encouraged to apply.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Specific skills that are desired include 1.) Knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques of research; 2.) Practical experience in sample preparation and experimentation; 3.) The ability to record and keep accurate records and data; and 4.) Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :

No

Deadline To Apply

05/17/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.