Research Assistant - Balloon Launcher

Job Profile:

Lab and Research Assistant 1 Non-Exempt

Job Family:

Lab and Research Support

Time Type:

PRN

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Provides routine, technical, and administrative support to research projects to ensure established protocols and procedures are followed for the lab. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Job Description:

Location:

Arizona State University, West Valley campus

4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306

This position will contribute to the environmental observation project Desert-Urban System Integrated Atmospheric Monsoon (DUSTIEAIM) within Dr. Vernon Morris’s Atmospheric and Aerosol Sciences Laboratory (AASL) in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SMNS). The primary role of the position is launching radiosondes (weather balloons) at designated times over the course of the project, which involves preparing the sensor package, inflating the balloon, and safely releasing the entire flight train to collect critical vertical profiles of meteorological measurements of the atmosphere. Physical presence at ASU's West Valley Campus is required for this position. The hours for this position are variable week to week depending on coverage and need, with a maximum of 19 hours a week. This is a temporary position that will end with the DUSTIEAIM project September of 2027.

Position Salary Range:

• $25.00 per hour

Essential Duties:

• Launch radiosondes (weather balloon), involving:

  • Instrument Preparation

  • Inflation and Rigging of the weather balloon

  • Launch Release of the balloon

• Collection and analysis of data collected during launches

• Collaborate with the various teams contributing to the DUSTIEAIM project

• Comply with safety protocols

• Will require non-standard work schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays

• Timeliness in arrival to site and execution of launches (launches are time-sensitive)

• Other duties as assigned

Desired Qualifications:

• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written

• Interest in a highly collaborative environment 

• Experience in flexible environments and working both independently and within a team  

• Attention to detail 

• Experience in an atmospheric or environmental laboratory or internship program

• Experience or courses taken in data science or data analysis

• Background in physical sciences or STEM fields (e.g. major, minor, or the principal area of study)

• Field research experience (e.g. working in outdoor environments as internships, jobs, or hobbies)

• Familiarity with the AASL or other similar research facilities

• Local presence to ASU West Valley Campus

Working Environment:

• Activities will be performed at the outdoor research areas of the AASL laboratory on ASU’s West Valley Campus. Launches take place around the clock, requiring physical presence in the sun and at night.

Department Statement:

Our faculty work to resolve key issues faced by our civilization, which are addressed through our research, teaching, and in our community outreach. We seek to infuse our students and the greater community with the ideals of impact, excellence, and access. We strive to create an inclusive student experience with extensive interdisciplinary opportunities.  At the core of this experience is the opportunity for our students to work side-by-side with our faculty conducting authentic research in STEM disciplines. Our students are proficient in scientific inquiry and critical thinking, and ready to apply their skills to real life situations. In the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences we strive to educate and empower future STEM scholars and innovators.

Our 100+ faculty members include statisticians, mathematicians, computer scientists, biologists, biotechnologists, and other natural science disciplines. Our research is funded by multiple federal and state agencies and we are one of the fastest growing research enterprises at the Arizona State University.

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: West

Funding:

Grant Funded

 

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.