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Testing Coordinator

Oregon State University

Testing Coordinator

Oregon State University

Department: TallWood DesignInstitute (FOR)

Appointment Type: Professional Faculty

Job Location: Corvallis

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range: $79,437 - $139,101

Job Summary:

The TallWood Design Institute within the College of Forestry is seeking a Testing Coordinator. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, professional faculty position.

This position has primary responsibility for the technical testing work of the TallWood Design Institute, encompassing structural testing, carried out primarily at the A.A. Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Lab and fire testing, carried out at the Oregon Fire Testing Facility (OFTF ). (NOTE – the OFTF is currently under construction and will be commissioned in 2027, with testing expected by mid-year).

The position reports to the Director of the TallWood Design Institute and receives direction on purchasing, project scheduling, lab safety and building management matters from the TDI Technical and Operations Manager. It supervises the work of laboratory technicians, student workers and third-party collaborators while they are engaged in testing-related tasks. The position provides technical support to faculty, students, and industry partners for research projects that use the testing facilities of the Emmerson Laboratory and OFTF . The position aids in experimental design, testing setups, design of fixturing, research project management, data analysis, and research project reporting.

During the course of their work the Testing Coordinator (TC) will assemble, troubleshoot, and supervise a wide variety of experiments, and will operate and maintain an inventory of related scientific apparatus and lab equipment. The TC will work closely with the TDI Technical & Operations Manager, who oversees the fabrication activities of the Emmerson Lab. The incumbent will model and promote the highest standards in safe operating practices for industrial laboratory settings.

The TallWood Design Institute, hosted at the Oregon State University’s College of Forestry, in collaboration with the OSU College of Engineering and University of Oregon College of Design, brings together a one-of-a-kind collaboration that includes the top wood science, timber engineering and architecture programs in the U.S. to focus on development of innovative wood products and building systems. The Institute actively partners with building design professionals, engineers, building contractors and wood products manufacturers to carry out applied research, create education and training programs, and support product development and testing of structural wood building materials and systems.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

• Top 1.4% university in the world

• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

• 7 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

• 217k+ alumni worldwide

• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

• Retirement savings paid by the university.

• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

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Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

Research Project Coordination: 25%

• Facilitate experimental design and development of testing protocols for faculty, industry partners, and students
• Oversee material testing, structural testing, and fire testing functions
• Engineer experimental setups using existing laboratory equipment or design new testing fixtures for fabrication.
• Coordinate with Technical & Operations Manager to jointly plan and execute projects that have both fabrication and testing components
• Support the grant writing efforts of the Director and lab users by providing input on estimated costs and levels of effort required to carry out proposed projects.
• Contribute to project financial management by securing quotations and estimates for research projects and related equipment
• Facilitate robust collaboration with various OSU and University of Oregon departments to access equipment and facilities for projects that require resources beyond the capabilities of the Emmerson Lab.
• Manage and allocate testing space within Emmerson Lab and OFTF .

Research Facilities Management: 25%

• Efficiently coordinate research activities by organizing work assignments, establishing priorities, and delegating responsibilities to staff and students.
• Provide training to staff, students, faculty members and industry collaborators on testing procedures relevant to specific projects.
• Effectively manage testing equipment by scheduling regular maintenance, meticulously maintaining calibration records, routinely verifying calibration factors, and overseeing sensor inventory.
• Configure testing controls and data acquisition systems for conducting tests and capturing sensor data.
• Create and maintain written records of current testing equipment procurement sources, maintenance and warranty contacts and details of customized equipment configuration and integration
• Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures for common testing operations
• Identify necessary upgrades to testing systems and related equipment, and make recommendations to the Technical & Operations Manager and TDI Director. When approved, specify, procure, and implement the necessary equipment enhancements.

Supervision: 20%

• Provides technical supervision to technical staff and students engaged in structural and fire testing activities.
• Coordinates with the Technical and Operations Manager to ensure robust and effective communication related to projects, staffing and space resource utilization
• Manages laboratory technicians and student workers while performing testing-related work within the Emmerson Lab, fire testing lab and other facilities.
• Coordinates research activities by scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, and directing responsibilities of staff and students when working on testing activities.
• Coordinates with faculty regarding graduate student projects.
• Data Management and Reporting: 20%
• Gather, methodically structure, and analyze extensive datasets.
• Update TDI’s online project tracking system as needed to ensure co-workers have current information on project status
• Assist faculty researchers with data analysis and statistical assessments, employing expertise in MATLAB , R-Studio, Excel and other applicable software.
• Draft or co-create technical/scientific reports, as well as reports for the REACTS industry consortium and other sponsors.
• Assist in authoring technical and scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Create presentations to communicate research findings effectively at scientific conferences, industry events, symposium, and REACTS Consortium meetings.

Data Management and Reporting: 20%

• Gather, methodically structure, and analyze extensive datasets.
• Update TDI’s online project tracking system as needed to ensure co-workers have current information on project status
• Assist faculty researchers with data analysis and statistical assessments, employing expertise in MATLAB , R-Studio, Excel and other applicable software.
• Draft or co-create technical/scientific reports, as well as reports for the REACTS industry consortium and other sponsors.
• Assist in authoring technical and scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Create presentations to communicate research findings effectively at scientific conferences, industry events, symposium, and REACTS Consortium meetings.

Teaching/Mentoring: 10%

• Aid in the development and delivery of TDI courses focused on mass timber and other wood science-related topics
• Be an instructor of record for a maximum of one course per academic year related to this position’s area of focus
• Assist the TDI Outreach Coordinator and other staff in running technical tours for visitors

What You Will Need

• Master’s degree in electronics engineering, civil or mechanical engineering, timber engineering, wood sciences or a related field
• Two years of experience operating and maintaining experimental testing equipment, instruments, and systems in a research laboratory or similar setting
• Experience using universal testing equipment such as INSTRON and Tinus Olson.
• Experience using Labview or similar data acquisition software
• Knowledge of fabrication and construction methods for wood and metal
• Experience using computer aided design software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Excellent project management and time management skills
• Experience working with diverse user groups such as undergraduates, graduate students, industry collaborators and trainees
• Experience providing safety training and enforcing safety rules in a lab environment
• A demonstrable commitment to creating and promoting a healthy and equitable working environment in which diversity is valued

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, and be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030

What We Would Like You to Have

• Detailed understanding of manufacturing and quality assurance processes for engineered wood products
• Experience with fire testing laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with industry engineering standards such as the NDS , timber industry standards such as PRG -320, and ASTM standards
• Previous research support experience in a university environment
• Ability to operate portable power tools, welding equipment, 3D printers and stationary woodworking equipment
• Experience using and configuring hydraulic pumps and actuators for large-scale structural testing
• Experience and high-level proficiency in data analysis programing (Matlab, R-Studio, Python)
• Experience with preparation of written technical reports, scholarly articles and presentations related to structural engineering research and testing, and with presenting them in person
• Experience supervising the hands-on technical research of students and graduate students

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

This position is required to work in a lab/manufacturing environment with large machinery, with some office/computing work.

This position typically works an 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. work schedule. However, evening and/or weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines.

The position requires the ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and stand for long periods of time.

Must be able to work in a dusty, sometimes loud environment. Must be able to work in a minimally conditioned space and occasionally work outdoors in the lab’s yard in inclement weather.

Must be able to work with and around chemicals, solvents and lubricants used in equipment maintenance.

May be required to drive locally to deliver or pick up materials or supplies needed for technical projects, visit suppliers/fabricators or attend meetings and events.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 18, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

Letters of Reference will be requested for finalists only. When applying, you will be asked to provide the email address and telephone number for three (3) referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf.

For additional information please contact:
Iain Macdonald
iain.macdonald@oregonstate.edu
541-231-9626

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7132048

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