GA - Research - Technology - Fall

Title: GA
- Research
- Technology
- Fall 2026 / Spring 2027
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Technology
Campus

Location:

Normal, IL

The Department of Technology is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to join a funded research project developing Soy Board - a soy-derived biocomposite acoustic ceiling panel - under the direction of Dr. Pranshoo Solanki. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in sustainable materials research, laboratory fabrication, and ASTM performance testing.

• Collect and mechanically process soybean straw into fiber and ash feed stocks
• Operate laboratory equipment: cutting mill, muffle furnace, ball mill, hydraulic press, and drying oven
• Fabricate composite panels (mixing, casting, cold pressing, and oven curing)
• Conduct mechanical and physical testing per ASTM standards - compressive (C109), flexural (D790), and water absorption/durability (D1037, C367)
• Prepare and ship specimens for external acoustic (C423) and fire (E84) testing
• Record data, perform basic statistical analysis, and assist with interim and final reports

Soy Board is a proof‑of‑concept effort to develop a fully bio‑based acoustic ceiling tile made from Illinois soybean‑derived materials - soy protein, soybean straw fiber, and soybean straw ash - as a sustainable alternative to conventional mineral fiber tiles. The project is funded through the Illinois Soybean Association and runs for 12 months (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). This position will continue through the summer of 2027.

$755 per month for .25 FTE

TBD

9/1/2026

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List
• Work Availability

Benefits for Graduate Assistants can be found in the Graduate Assistant Handbook.

You must be eligible for employment in the United States and at Illinois State University and/or for the number of hours required for the position.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held. International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on‑campus employment when the university is in session but may work up to 28 hours per week when the university is not in session.

Please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for guidance on visa restrictions on work hours. The University cannot grant exceptions to visa status rules/laws.

Cindy Wert
clwert

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

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