Job Description

STEM Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Level 3 or Level 4 - IWS

Division: CAS (College of Arts and Sciences) Department: Supplemental Research

Experience: Entry level & Experienced

Job Code:         GL Code:

Supervisor of Student Employee(s): varies depending on the project

FWS, IWS, or Grant Funded: ☐ FWS ☒ IWS ☒ Grant Funded

Avg. Hours/Week: ☐ 1–5 ☐ 6–10 ☒ 11–15 ☐ 16–20 (anticipated approximately 15; as authorized)

Job Overview / Description

The STEM Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) supports an approved faculty-led undergraduate STEM research project through organized data collection, research preparation, documentation, and introductory analysis. Students apply to this general posting and, if selected, have an approved faculty researcher whose project aligns with their preparation, interests, and available opportunities. Research assignments may involve biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, mathematics, or related approved STEM disciplines.

Responsibilities and Career Competencies

1. Assist with preparing research materials, equipment, literature, or project resources under faculty direction. (CT, P, T)
2. Collect and organize observations, measurements, literature sources, or other project data using established methods. (CT, T)
3. Enter, verify, and maintain information in spreadsheets, research logs, or project databases. (P, CT, T)
4. Support routine research procedures and basic data summaries after project-specific training. (CT, CSD, T)
5. Communicate regularly with the assigned faculty researcher about research activities, timelines, progress, and next steps. (C, TW, P)
6. Maintain accurate, organized research records and follow project protocols, confidentiality requirements, and applicable safety procedures. (P, CT, T)
7. Participate in research meetings, training, and faculty feedback to strengthen research and career-readiness skills. (C, CSD, TW)
8. Contribute to the preparation of findings, reports, posters, or presentations when requested by the faculty researcher. (C, CT, T)

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Qualifications

Required: Current UPIKE undergraduate student with relevant prior coursework, project experience, or demonstrable research-related skills; ability to follow written procedures; accurate recordkeeping; dependable communication; and willingness to learn project-specific methods.

Preferred: coursework or experience in a STEM field relevant to an available faculty research project; familiarity with Excel, laboratory procedures, literature searches, or data management. A previous formal research appointment is not required if equivalent coursework or skills can be demonstrated.

Computer Skills: ☒ Word ☒ Excel ☒ PowerPoint ☐ Canva ☐ Social Media & New Technology ☒ Other: Project-specific research, laboratory, or data software (training may be provided)

Other Skills: ☒ Attention to detail ☒ Strong active listening abilities ☒ Public speaking (as applicable) ☒ Written & verbal communication ☐ Customer focused ☒ Willingness to learn new things

Work Schedule: ☒ Hours vary depending on workload; days and times arranged with assigned faculty researcher

Work Conditions: ☒ Other: Research setting varies by project; laboratory, classroom, field, or computer-based work. Any applicable hazards and safety training will be identified before assignment.

Physical Demands: ☒ Keyboarding ☒ Reaching/Handling (if relevant) ☒ Other: Project-specific demands will be discussed with applicants; accommodations handled through university processes.

Number of Positions: numerous positions with different research projects.

Pay Rate: $10.50/hour and 12.50/hr depending on experience level

Location: Building: Varies by project, all on UPIKE main campus 147 Sycamore St

To Apply: Complete the application and upload the following two items and you will need to review the project list and select three mentors in order of preference

1. Upload your CV/Resume:

The CV/Resume should include your name and contact information, your research interests, prior occupations with associated responsibilities and skills, and any previous research work, including presentations (posters/talks at conferences) and publications. Also included are the student's completed courses applicable to the research topic (Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics, etc.). The document should be well-written, with an easy-to-read format. Any CV/Resume template may be used but linked below is one from Harvard that is clear and easy to use. CV/Resume:

Harvard College Bullet Point Resume Template – Harvard FAS | Mignone Center for Career Success

Note that this is a template that needs your information.

1. Upload a Personal Statement including: What interests you about participating in SURF undergraduate research program? What skills, strengths, or experiences could you contribute to a faculty research project, and what do you hope to learn or gain from this opportunity? Please keep to about 250 words or less. Please refrain from plagiarizing this document by using generative AI. Editing software such as Grammarly is acceptable if the use is minimized.
2. Review the project list here: SURF Research Mentors and select three mentors in order of preference.

Additional Comments

This is a general application for grant-supported faculty research opportunity.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.