Research Assistant - Balloon Launcher

Job Profile

Lab and Research Assistant 1 Non-Exempt

Lab and Research Support

PRN

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

High School Diploma; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Provides routine, technical, and administrative support to research projects to ensure established protocols and procedures are followed for the lab. Responsible for following lab safety standards.

Arizona State University, West Valley campus

4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306

This position will contribute to the environmental observation project Desert-Urban System Integrated Atmospheric Monsoon (DUSTIEAIM) within Dr. Vernon Morris’s Atmospheric and Aerosol Sciences Laboratory (AASL) in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SMNS). The primary role of the position is launching radiosondes (weather balloon) at designated times over the course of the project, which involves preparing the sensor package, inflating the balloon, and safely releasing the entire flight train to collect critical vertical profiles of meteorological measurements of the atmosphere.

Physical presence at ASU's West Valley Campus is required for this position. The hours for this position are variable week to week depending on coverage and need, with a maximum of 19 hours a week. This is a temporary position that will end with the DUSTIEAIM project September of 2027.

• $25.00 per hour

• Launch radiosondes (weather balloon), involving:
  • Instrument Preparation
  • Inflation and Rigging of the weather balloon
  • Launch Release of the balloon
• Collection and analysis of data collected during launches
• Collaborate with the various teams contributing to the DUSTIEAIM project
• Comply with safety protocols
• Will require non-standard work schedule, including weekends, nights, and holidays
• Timeliness in arrival to site and execution of launches (launches are time-sensitive)
• Other duties as assigned

• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written
• Interest in a highly collaborative environment
• Experience in flexible environments and working both independently and within a team
• Attention to detail
• Experience in an atmospheric or environmental laboratory or internship program
• Experience or courses taken in data science or data analysis
• Background in physical sciences or STEM fields (e.g. major, minor, or the principal area of study)
• Field research experience (e.g. working in outdoor environments as internships, jobs, or hobbies)
• Familiarity with the AASL or other similar research facilities
• Local presence to ASU West Valley Campus

• Activities will be performed at the outdoor research areas of the AASL laboratory on ASU’s West Valley Campus. Launches take place around the clock, requiring physical presence in the sun and at night.

Our faculty work to resolve key issues faced by our civilization, which are addressed through our research, teaching, and in our community outreach. We seek to infuse our students and the greater community with the ideals of impact, excellence, and access. We strive to create an inclusive student experience with extensive interdisciplinary opportunities. At the core of this experience is the opportunity for our students to work side-by-side with our faculty conducting authentic research in STEM disciplines.

Our students are proficient in scientific inquiry and critical thinking, and ready to apply their skills to real life situations. In the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences we strive to educate and empower future STEM scholars and innovators.

Our 100+ faculty members include statisticians, mathematicians, computer scientists, biologists, biotechnologists, and other natural science disciplines. Our research is funded by multiple federal and state agencies and we are one of the fastest growing research enterprises at the Arizona State University.

Driving is not required for this position.

Campus:
West

Grant Funded

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social,…