AU Chemical Engineering Department | Davis Group - Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions

Posted: September 6, 2022

Overview + Duties

The Davis group in Chemical Engineering is hiring two paid undergraduate researchers. The Davis group's research focuses on fluid phase assembly of nanomaterials across multiple length scales and the processibility of recycled multilayer polymers. Understanding the structure-processing-property interrelationships is the core of our work. One position will be working on making sensors from a natural material called cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The other project will be on understanding the phase behavior and 3D printing dispersions of an exciting new nanomaterial called MXenes. These projects are conducted in collaboration with other departments and colleges both within and outside Auburn University, allowing for exposure to multidisciplinary work and collaborative research. 

The Davis group has mentored over 40 undergraduate researchers who have gone on to excel in graduate school, at national labs, and in industry. Undergraduate researchers will be trained in basic lab safety and the use of appropriate laboratory equipment and procedures. For the CNC sensing project, the undergraduate researcher will investigate the properties of films prepared from differently sourced cellulose nanocrystals and gain experience working with polymers and sensors. In the 3D printability MXene project, the researcher will learn to characterize MXene dispersions, print them, and image the prints with microscopy techniques. Undergraduate researchers will participate in group meetings and have opportunities to present their results. They also will have the potential for co-authorship on research articles, travel support for conferences, and recommendations for future jobs, internships, and scholarships

Hours Per Week + Pay Rate
  • 12 hours per week between 9 AM - 6 PM, Monday - Friday; the schedule will be agreed to with the graduate student mentor
  • $12 / hour
Majors + Class Years Considered
  • Chemical, Materials Engineering Majors
  • Sophomores and Juniors

Position start timeframe

  • Preferred start date is 10/1/22
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and positions will remain open until filled

Application Materials Required

  • Resume 
  • Cover Letter
  • Other - Statement of motivation for doing undergraduate research
  • Name and email address of 3 professional references
Please send your application materials to Mackenzie Woods at mlb0061@auburn.edu with the subject line: Undergraduate Researcher Application.

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