Department: Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month
November 12, 2026; open until filled
Please submit the following with your online application:
Please submit the names and contact information for three professional references. Candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.
Note: This position is based in Portland Oregon.
The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) is a state-of-the-art facility for conducting acoustical tests of mass timber assemblies to support the expansion of the mass timber industry. It is located in NW Portland at the Port of Portland’s Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus.
Currently, lack of acoustical testing is widely recognized as a barrier to the development of amass timber multi-family housing in North America. OARL will provide floor/ceiling assembly testing chambers capable of delivering reliable, repeatable, and accredited acoustical test results. Testing will focus on airborne sound transmission loss (ASTM E90), impact sound transmission (ASTM E492), and impact sound reduction (ASTM E2179), but will include other ASTM and ISO standard tests along with other non-standard tests. As the only university-affiliated lab of its kind in the United States, OARL will also serve as a central hub for building acoustics research These new research and industry testing capacities will support increased utilization of mass-timber assemblies in low-, mid-, and high-rise housing and commercial buildings. OARL’s research will also pave the way for the future of building acoustics testing.
The University of Oregon Acoustics Research Laboratory seeks a qualified Acoustical Research Engineer to support acoustical testing, applied research activities, and day-to-day laboratory operations within a nationally recognized research and testing facility. This position contributes to the execution of standardized acoustical test methods and supports innovative research in acoustics, vibration, and noise control across a range of built-environment and engineering applications.
This role is ideal for a professional with formal training in acoustics, engineering, physics, or a related discipline, and hands-on experience conducting experimental measurements in laboratory or field environments. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to support both routine testing services and evolving research initiatives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting.
The Acoustical Research Engineer reports to the OARL Director and assists with the setup, calibration, operation, and maintenance of acoustical and vibration measurement systems; conducts laboratory and field testing; supports data collection and analysis; and helps maintain laboratory quality and safety standards. The position may also support faculty, student researchers, and external industry partners engaged in sponsored research and testing activities.
Experience in acoustics or vibration disciplines beyond building acoustics—including noise and vibration measurement, experimental modal analysis, signal processing, electroacoustics, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), and experience with instrumentation, data acquisition systems, technical software, and research documentation are highly valued skills for success in this position.
The ideal candidate is a motivated and technically curious professional who values precision, problem-solving, and collaborative research. This role utilizes a strong foundation in experimental acoustics, an appreciation for laboratory quality systems and standardized methodologies, and the flexibility to contribute to both client-based testing and research-oriented work in a dynamic academic environment.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
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