Position Title: Research Assistant - Natural Fiber Composites

Semester(s): Fall 2025/Winter and Spring 2026

Anticipated Start Date: 12/1/2025

Estimated Pay: $16.00

Number of Jobs Available: 1

Schedule: Mon-Fri., hours flexible based on class schedule

Location: Composites Manufacturing Science Lab, Center for Composite Materials

The Center for Composite Materials (CCM) is seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant to support hands-on experimental work in the area of natural fiber composites manufacturing and characterization. This paid position offers an hourly rate of $16 - $20 depending on the candidate’s experience. CCM is an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary center of excellence for composites where research spans from fundamental science to applied engineering, involving expertise in physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering.

Primary Responsibilities:

This research position involves performing hands-on experimental research in the area of natural fiber composites manufacturing and characterization across length scales.

• Cutting fabric, bagging, and vacuum infusion/bladder molding of flat panels, as well as post-curing these panels.
• Processing natural fibers on CCM developed TuFF process to align discontinuous fibers.
• Preparing test coupons using a surface grinder, applying tabs, and painting speckle patterns.
• Conducting mechanical tests using ASTM standards.
• Performing thermal analyses using equipment such as TGA, DSC, TMA, DMA, and Rheometer.
• Separating single fibers and conducting micromechanical testing – single filament and interfacial adhesion.

Qualifications:

• Fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and engineering
• Familiarity with Excel, Matlab, or LabView
• Attention to detail, meticulous at doing hands-on work in the lab, dexterity working with single fibers (smaller than human hair)
• Curiosity, interest, and enthusiasm to learn experimental techniques

This position, funded by a National Science Foundation program, offers the opportunity to collaborate and work closely with graduate students, international visiting researchers, undergraduate students, and faculty from the College of Agriculture and other partner universities. The students will have an opportunity to gain experience with various advanced materials related techniques such as, processing of natural fiber composites via vacuum infusion, bladder molding, micromechanical testing, as well as in the use of standard materials characterization equipment, including thermal analysis (DSC, TGA, DMA), optical and electron microscopy techniques, and mechanical testing in accordance with ASTM standards.

Be part of a world-class research organization and build your future today!

Hiring Timeline:

Application Review: November 1st - November 15th 

Interviews- November 15th - End of November 

Offers Extended - by Mid December 

Please note that dates are subject to change depending on the needs of the department.

Applicants must be undergraduate students at the University of Delaware. Work study eligibility can be found here. Applicants who are not enrolled as undergraduate students at the University will not be considered for this position. Employment Limitations and Exceptions