Job Description

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

Job Summary

The Department of Technology is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to join a funded research project developing SoyBoard — 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Collect and mechanically process soybean straw into fiber and ash feedstocks
• 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

Additional Information

ABOUT THE PROJECT

SoyBoard 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.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$755 per month for .25 FTE

Required Qualifications

1. Eligible for appointment as per the requirements in the Graduate Assistant Handbook, which can be found at http://hr.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/GA_Handbook.pdf
2. Must be a degree-seeking graduate student at Illinois State University in the Department of Technology.
3. Interest or background in construction management, materials, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field
4. Comfort with hands-on laboratory and fabrication work; strong attention to detail and record-keeping
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a research team

Work Hours

TBD

Proposed Starting Date

9/1/2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Work Availability

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

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

Note: If you have not yet been assigned a University ID, but are interested in applying for this graduate assistantship, please proceed with the graduate assistant application process. For the first question regarding your University ID, simply enter in nine (9) zeros (e.g., 000000000).

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.

Contact Information for Applicants

Cindy Wert
clwert@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

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.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.