What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Research Assistant – Bioplastics and Biocomposites position at Northern Illinois University?
I am looking to hire a highly motivated graduate student to join the NIU Bioplastics Lab as a paid Research Assistant starting in Fall 2026.
This position is connected to the Master of Science in Engineering Technology program in the Department of Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. The selected student will enroll in the M.S. program (tuition waived) and work as a Research Assistant in the NIU Bioplastics Lab.
The position is fully paid with a highly competitive compensation package.
Beyond financial support, this position offers significant professional and research-development opportunities. The selected student will gain hands-on experience far beyond the standard course syllabus, contribute to publishable research where appropriate based on contribution, collaborate with industry partners, build connections with industry and government stakeholders, attend regional and national conferences, and work directly on high-impact topics in bioplastics, biocomposites, polymer processing, and sustainable materials.
I am looking for a candidate with a strong technical background and the ability to contribute to both research and hands-on laboratory work. The ideal candidate should have:
- Background in materials engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering technology, or a closely related field
- Knowledge of bioplastics, biocomposites, polymers, and sustainable materials
- Familiarity with plastic processing and production equipment, such as extrusion, compounding, compression molding, injection molding, or related machinery
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment and support experimental research
- Strong understanding of materials science and polymer processing concepts
- Experience conducting literature reviews and interpreting scientific papers
- Experience with technical/scientific writing, data analysis, and research reporting
This position requires someone who can work independently, learn quickly, manage laboratory tasks responsibly, and contribute to active research projects in bioplastics and biocomposites.
Because this position is for Fall 2026, strong preference will be given to applicants who are already in the United States and are able to join NIU for the Fall 2026 semester. Deferred start is not available for this position.
**PLEASE DO NOT APPLY THROUGH LINKEDIN**
Interested applicants should email their CV/resume, unofficial transcripts, and a cover letter to: mvaezii@niu.edu. Please use the subject line: Fall 2026 RA Application – NIU Bioplastics Lab.