Research Specialist 1 or 2 (Machinist)

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Job Posting Title:

Research Specialist 1 or 2 (Machinist)

   

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

   

Department:

LSUAM Science - PA - Machine Shop (Vincent Guy Vaughn (00008618))

   

Work Location:

0056B Charles E. Coates Hall

   

Pay Grade:

Professional

   

Job Description:

The Department of Physics and Astronomy machine shop has an opening for a research specialists 1 or 2 (Machinist) to assist with the design and fabrication of instrumentation for experimental research.  Equipment includes various manual lathes, milling machines and CNC equipment; HAAS VF-2 CNC milling machine, HAAS TM OP milling machine, HAAS TL-1 CNC Lathe, and OMAX waterjet.

Responsibilities for Research Specialist 1: Set up machines and/or create fixtures for holding and clamping work pieces using appropriate tooling, tool holders, and cutting tool sharpening. Utilize welding, threading, turning operations, boring, and shaping of exotic parts on various machines. Calculate dimensional aspects of Sharp-V, American Standard, Unified, Acme and Square threads. Compute and perform close tolerance fits and machine exotic metals including ferrous, non-ferrous metals, elemental metals and plastics (e.g. Teflon, pvc. pmma, delrin). Programming of CNC machines using Virtual Gibbs, HAAS milling machine setup and operation. Utilize computer skills including desktop PC operation (e.g., e-mail, downloading files, etc.). Perform other related duties incidental to the work described above.

Responsibilities for Research Specialist 2: Manages setting up machines and/or create fixtures for holding and clamping work pieces using appropriate tooling, tool holders, and cutting tool sharpening. Utilize welding, threading, turning operations, boring, and shaping of exotic parts on various machines. Calculate dimensional aspects of Sharp-V, American Standard, Unified, Acme and Square threads. Compute and perform close tolerance fits and machine exotic metals including ferrous, non-ferrous metals, elemental metals and plastics (e.g. Teflon, pvc. pmma, delrin). Responsible for producing complex prototype parts to high tolerance design specifications. Will be assigned to manage individual faculty projects. Programming of CNC machines using Virtual Gibbs, HAAS milling machine setup and operation. Utilize computer skills including desktop PC operation (e.g., e-mail, downloading files, etc.). Perform other related duties incidental to the work described above.

Minimum Qualifications: (Both) Bachelor's degree in related field. Degree substitute - 4 years teaching/research/professional/administrative officer level experience. (Research Specialist 1) 1 year related experience; (Research Specialist 2) 3 years of related experience. LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications: Strong manual experience on Lathes and Mills, CNC experience (HAAS Mill); Familiar with GibbsCam programming software Tungsten Inert Gas welding skills with stainless and aluminum.

Other Requirement: Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities this position shall be subject to drug/alcohol testing in accordance with University Policy Statement 67.

   

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Please provide letter of application, resume, and three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire.

   

Skills Needed:

Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Following Protocols, Functional Expertise, Materials Handling, Safe Work Practices, Troubleshooting

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:

July 30, 2026

   

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

November 27, 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):

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: