Department: Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

November 12, 2026; open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit the following with your online application:
• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Please submit the names and contact information for three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.

Note: This position is based in Portland Oregon.

Department Summary

The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) is a state-of-the-art facility for conducting acoustical tests of mass timber assemblies to support the expansion of the mass timber industry. It is located in NW Portland at the Port of Portland’s Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus.
Currently, lack of acoustical testing is widely recognized as a barrier to the development of amass timber multi-family housing in North America. OARL will provide floor/ceiling assembly testing chambers capable of delivering reliable, repeatable, and accredited acoustical test results. Testing will focus on airborne sound transmission loss (ASTM E90), impact sound transmission (ASTM E492), and impact sound reduction (ASTM E2179), but will include other ASTM and ISO standard tests along with other non-standard tests. As the only university-affiliated lab of its kind in the United States, OARL will also serve as a central hub for building acoustics research These new research and industry testing capacities will support increased utilization of mass-timber assemblies in low-, mid-, and high-rise housing and commercial buildings. OARL’s research will also pave the way for the future of building acoustics testing.

Position Summary

The University of Oregon Acoustics Research Laboratory seeks a qualified Acoustical Research Engineer to support acoustical testing, applied research activities, and day-to-day laboratory operations within a nationally recognized research and testing facility. This position contributes to the execution of standardized acoustical test methods and supports innovative research in acoustics, vibration, and noise control across a range of built-environment and engineering applications.
This role is ideal for a professional with formal training in acoustics, engineering, physics, or a related discipline, and hands-on experience conducting experimental measurements in laboratory or field environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to support both routine testing services and evolving research initiatives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.
The Acoustical Research Engineer reports to the OARL Director and assists with the setup, calibration, operation, and maintenance of acoustical and vibration measurement systems; conducts laboratory and field testing; supports data collection and analysis; and helps maintain laboratory quality and safety standards. The position may also support faculty, student researchers, and external industry partners engaged in sponsored research and testing activities.
Experience in acoustics or vibration disciplines beyond building acoustics—including noise and vibration measurement, experimental modal analysis, signal processing, electroacoustics, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and experience with instrumentation, data acquisition systems, technical software, and research documentation are highly valued skills for success in this position.
The ideal candidate is a motivated and technically curious professional who values precision, problem-solving, and collaborative research. This role utilizes a strong foundation in experimental acoustics, an appreciation for laboratory quality systems and standardized methodologies, and the flexibility to contribute to both client-based testing and research-oriented work in a dynamic academic environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Acoustics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, etc.), Physics, or a closely related field with relevant acoustics coursework
• 2 years of experience conducting acoustical and/or vibration measurements in a laboratory or controlled experimental environment
• 2 years of demonstrated familiarity with acoustical measurement instrumentation (e.g., microphones, accelerometers, data acquisition systems, FFT analyzers) including working knowledge of signal processing fundamentals

Professional Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to measurement accuracy, repeatability, and data integrity
• Effective organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a laboratory setting
• Clear written and verbal communication skills appropriate for technical reporting
• Ability to follow standardized procedures and maintain accurate, detailed technical records
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research and testing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Acoustics, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, etc.), Physics
• 1–5 years of relevant professional or research experience in acoustics, vibration, or a related field
• Experience in acoustics or vibration domains outside of building acoustics (e.g., NVH testing, industrial acoustics, experimental modal analysis)
• Experience supporting or managing laboratory quality systems, including:
• Development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Calibration tracking and documentation
• Test documentation and data traceability
• Familiarity with quality frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 or similar)
• Familiarity with ASTM and/or ISO standardized test methods
• Experience with data acquisition system configuration and test automation
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python)

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

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