RIAS Lab Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• 55,700+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): No

Purpose of Position

The RIAS Lab Specialist is responsible for the daily operation and overall coordination of all research technologies associated with RIAS. This role oversees day to day research functions, supports both in lab and field research activities, provides organizational technology and infrastructure support, and collaborates closely with RIAS leadership to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of projects.
A key component of this position also includes contributing to operations and outreach efforts by supporting field deployments, representing RIAS in public engagement activities, supporting recruitment for research initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships with academic, industry, and community partnerships.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Daily Management and Oversight of Lab and Research Technologies
  • Manage and organize lab and research technologies
  • Lead and supervise RIAS lab and research staff
  • Maintain equipment readiness
  • Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate/accomplish repairs.
  • Assist in the coordination with the crew entities to schedule test activities meeting project goals.
  • Assist in managing and maintaining the UND RIAS autonomous systems fleet
  • Manage asset tracking and status documentation
  • Coordinate equipment deployment and field operations support
  • Serve as primary liaison to vendors and external partners
  • Support project planning and execution
  • Monitor, manage, and replenish field and research supplies 
• Equipment Quality and Control Assurance
  • Design, implement, and oversee the laboratory’s quality management program.
  • Support inventory management of lab and operational equipment.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on the installation, use, and maintenance of all lab and research technologies
  • Train users in the correct use of equipment.
  • Ensure industry standards and safety regulations.
  • Develop technology status reports (i.e. Annual, monthly, quarterly).
  • Develop and maintain a system to identify equipment availability that meets research requirements.
  • Development of useful life, replacement, maintenance schedules of applicable systems and devices.
• Operational Outreach and External Engagement
  • Advocate for the use of the research equipment to all UND researchers.
  • Represent RIAS in public engagement and outreach events.
  • Coordinate communication efforts for outreach and operations.
  • Prepare outreach materials and assets for demonstrations
  • Track and report outreach and partnership activities
• Provide Subject Matter Expertise on Emerging Technology
  • Stay up to date on industry standards and other industry best practices.
  • Incorporate operational best practices, lessons learned, and industry standards into UND RIAS operations and policies.
  • Be available as a resource to UND RIAS asset related questions or troubleshooting
  • Support potential client calls via email and teleconferences, as required.
  • Assist with research related to emerging technologies that may benefit RIAS projects
  • Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners who can use, modernize, or expand research equipment and capabilities. 
• Office Work/Additional Responsibilities
  • Provide high quality customer service to a wide variety of clients.
  • Support potential client calls via email and teleconferences, as required.
  • Support local, regional, and state meetings and conferences, as required.
  • Stay up to date and assist in the incorporation of regulations related to appropriate governing authorities
  • Supervise or operate other autonomous systems.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to perform without direct supervision.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as required.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and stay up to date with technologies related to RIAS projects
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in a busy office setting.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to a wide variety of clients.
• Proven ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Proficient with Office365 applications.
• Experience with coordinating outreach events
• Experience in procedural document development

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 3 years of research field operations experience.
• Experience working with diverse field instrumentation, including setup, calibration, maintenance, and repair of custom and commercial equipment. Familiarity with integrating sensors, data collection devices, control systems, and related support hardware for field based research activities.
• Experience with field research logistics and planning
• Experience working under various regulations set by various governing authorities
• Export Control Compliance:
  This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be used in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 1+ year of supervisory experience
• 5+ years of research field operations experience
• Experience with developing inventory management systems
• Demonstrated ability coordinating multi-partner research activities
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to autonomous systems
• Experience developing protocols for field research operations
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills demonstrated through prior technical roles

To Apply

Please submit resume and cover letter. Your resume should include information to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as posted.