WAE Research Specialist 1

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Job Posting Title:

WAE Research Specialist 1

Position Type:

Wages as Earned (Fixed Term)

Department:

LSUAM Engineering - School of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (Marybeth Lima (00010534))

Work Location:

0149 E.B. Doran Hall (Ag. Engineering)

Pay Grade:

Temporary

Job Description:

Job Responsibilities:

Develop, test, and refine the MATLAB-based image acquisition and bead-tracking system used to measure specimen deformation and compute strain in real time.

Integrate instrument hardware (linear actuators, load cells, and temperature control) with the MATLAB graphical user interface for synchronized motion control, feedback, and data acquisition.

Implement and validate stress-strain calculation and post-processing routines within the testing software.

Calibrate and validate force, displacement, and temperature-controlled testing conditions to improve measurement reliability and repeatability.

Perform planar biaxial mechanical testing of synthetic and biological soft-tissue specimens, and collect, organize, and analyze the resulting data.

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system documentation, user manuals, and records of design changes to support reproducibility.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor degree and 1 year of related experience, or four years' experience will substitute for the bachelor's degree.

Preferred qualifications:

Bachelor degree and 1 year or more years of hands-on experience developing and validating a planar biaxial (or comparable) soft-tissue mechanical testing system.

Specific experience:

Direct experience with MATLAB-based image acquisition and bead-tracking, integration of Arduino-controlled linear actuators and load cells into a MATLAB GUI, implementation of stress-strain and post-processing routines, and calibration and validation of force, displacement, and temperature control. Familiarity with CAD software (Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS) and prior contribution to the open-source biaxial testing platform.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

WAE-Administrative

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

June 18, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 18, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: