Electrical Engineering Research Assistant (8351ES)

The Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) is an internationally renowned MRI research facility at the forefront of advancing MRI technology. A key area of focus at CMRR is brain and body imaging using ultrahigh magnetic fields (7 Tesla and above). The CMRR engineering group supports these cutting-edge research efforts with state-of-the-art electrical and mechanical labs, equipped with advanced tools such as electronic and RF test equipment (including network analyzers, oscilloscopes, and pulse generators), 3D printers (FDM, SLS, and SLA), CO2 and fiber lasers, milling machines, and other essential machine shop tools.
We are seeking a temporary Electrical Engineering Research Assistant to join our dynamic research environment. A key task of the Research Assistant will be to assist CMRR Saff Engineers with the building of 80 and 128 channel high density 10.5T arrays. This requires prior extensive experience in prototyping and evaluating novel electronic technologies.

This appointment is a temporary, .25FTE Civil Service appointment.

Responsibilities:
The job duties include, but are not limited to:
* 60% - Hands-on fabrication of both electrical and mechanical assemblies and fixtures, including: the use of power tools, operating 3D printers, building coaxial cables, and soldering electronic components.
* 20% - Fabrication and evaluation of new PCBs and PCA designs, and other RF assemblies.
* 10% - Performing and recording measurements as quality assurance on previously-developed hardware used throughout our department, including but not limited to RF coils, amplifiers, T/R switches, etc.
* 10% - Laboratory management duties, including maintaining a clean working environment in both an electrical and mechanical lab spaces, repairing any equipment, identifying and sourcing replacement/repair parts for various equipment, and keeping stock of consumable materials.
* Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
* BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least 4 years
* Education in a STEM-related field of Science or Engineering
* Able to meet CMRR MR safety requirements (i.e., pass safety screening for work in magnetic fields)
* Soldering experience
* Full mastery of all measurement equipment involved in UHF coil design.
* Proven experience building 10.5T/ 447MHz UHF Coils and Electronics
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
* Independent and self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimal supervision
* Familiarity with basic electromagnetic concepts
* Knowledge of the working principles of basic electronic components (e.g., capacitors, inductors)
* Experience with Microsoft excel
* Experience with CAD or similar design softwares (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:
* Proven experience building 10.5T/ 447MHz coils and coil electronic and all the involved
fabrication and soldering know how.
* Strong teamwork skills, particularly in collaborative projects
* Experience with electronic measurement and testing devices (e.g., network analyzers,
oscilloscopes, pulse generators)

Pay Range: $28.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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