Research Opportunities

Research Opportunities in the Applied Technology Center^TM (ATC)

Interdisciplinary capabilities provide a major advantage and can span fields such as engineering, science, business, computers, and technical communication. ATC research assistantships involve both graduate and undergraduate students working on advanced projects. Modes of interaction include directly funded projects, consultation, federally funded grants, consortia work, technology licensing and subcontracts. Applied research projects are conducted by staff and faculty with industrial experience - often with research assistants in engineering and business disciplines. Referrals serve as an initial contact point for networking with others to optimize expertise and facilities for technology transfer.

Research Assistantships

MSOE offers a limited number of graduate research assistantships for research within the ATC. Selection is based upon available funds, project personnel requirements, and student qualification. July 1 is the normal application deadline for an assistantship that is awarded for the subsequent Fall semester. Assistantships may be available at other times of the year, based on additional funding and program activity.

Graduate research assistants are assigned to the ATC. All assistantship candidates must be accepted for graduate study by MSOE. Contact the M.S. in Engineering Program Director for open graduate research positions. You may also submit a letter of interest detailing areas of expertise along with a current resume to the Applied Technology Center (atc@msoe.edu). Allow at least 60 days for processing the application once all materials are received.

Position Obligations and Benefits: This is a 12-month appointment, renewable for subsequent years based on continued availability of funding, the student’s work performance and academic progress. Students will normally receive both of the following awards:

• Research Assistantship: Student typically will be assigned up to 20 of hours of research and ATC project work per week over 12 months.
• Tuition Scholarship: Student takes a maximum of two classes (six credits) per academic semester (including summers), not to exceed six classes (20 credits) per academic year, leading to the M.S. degree in two to three years. Tuition will be waived in proportion to the fraction of full-time employment for courses needed for the degree, providing they meet graduate degree program requirements. Each tuition scholarship award will be made based on a student’s academic record, potential to succeed in the program and related work experience.

No other (outside) employment is allowed. During the course the work on various projects, students may be exposed to confidential information. It is of critical importance that the confidential information remains confidential during and after completion of the work. As a condition of employment, students are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).  To be eligible for the research assistantship, applicants must be enrolled as graduate students at MSOE by virtue of course work or continuous enrollment. No teaching or classroom-related work will normally be expected of research assistants. Occasionally, a graduate student will assist in running a laboratory.

Students must maintain satisfactory graduate student academic standing to retain their position.