Ahsan's Lab in the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UTRGV will be ... to design and characterize new alloys and composites fabricated via laser powder bed fusion ...
Ahsan's Lab in the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UTRGV will be ... to design and characterize new alloys and composites fabricated via laser powder bed fusion ...
Design Lab Assistant information
See McAllen, TX salary details
$9.82 - $11.50
0% of jobs
$11.50 - $13.18
2% of jobs
$13.18 - $14.86
12% of jobs
$15.99 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.86 - $16.55
17% of jobs
$16.55 - $18.23
18% of jobs
The median wage is $18.39 / hr.
$18.23 - $19.91
17% of jobs
$21.32 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.91 - $21.59
12% of jobs
$21.59 - $23.27
9% of jobs
$23.27 - $24.95
7% of jobs
$24.95 - $26.64
4% of jobs
$26.64 - $28.32
2% of jobs
$9
$19
$28
How much do design lab assistant jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lab assistant in McAllen, TX is $19.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Design Lab Assistant vs Design Intern?
| Aspect | Design Lab Assistant | Design Intern |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Relevant coursework, basic design skills | Enrolled in design or related degree program |
| Work Environment | Design labs, studios, collaborative spaces | Design firms, studios, educational settings |
| Employer & Industry | Educational institutions, research labs, design companies | Design agencies, corporate teams, startups |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding support roles in design labs | Gaining internship opportunities in design |
Design Lab Assistants typically support design projects with basic skills and work in educational or research environments, while Design Interns are students gaining hands-on experience in professional design settings. Both roles involve collaboration and learning but differ mainly in experience level and purpose.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Lab Assistant, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Design Lab Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of design principles, familiarity with lab protocols, and typically a degree or coursework in design or a related field. Proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD programs), 3D printers, and other fabrication tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you manage projects and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting creative processes, ensuring safety, and maintaining efficient lab operations.
What are Design Lab Assistants?
Design Lab Assistants are support staff who help maintain and manage operations in design laboratories, such as those found in schools, universities, or creative studios. They assist students, faculty, or professionals by preparing materials, setting up equipment, ensuring lab safety, and sometimes providing technical guidance on design software or tools. Their role is essential for keeping the lab organized and facilitating a productive environment for creative work. Depending on the institution, they may also help with troubleshooting equipment and supporting design projects.
What are some common challenges faced by Design Lab Assistants, and how can they be successfully managed?
Design Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, maintaining organized workspaces, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Successfully managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, staying proactive with regular equipment maintenance, and communicating clearly with team members and supervisors about project priorities. Embracing a collaborative attitude and being open to feedback can also help Design Lab Assistants adapt quickly and contribute effectively to the creative process.
What are popular job titles related to Design Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX? For Design Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
- Co Op Dental Lab Technician
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What job categories do people searching Design Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Design Lab Assistant jobs in McAllen, TX are:
What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Design Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Design Lab Assistant job openings:
Research Assistant in Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing
Edinburg, TX • On-site
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley rating
7.5
Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
306th of 614 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Posting Details
Title Information
Assistantship Title
Graduate Research Assistant
Job Class Code
10095
FLSA
Exempt
Minimum Qualifications
Position Information
Posting Number
A1346
Working Title
Research Assistant in Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing
Location
Edinburg, Texas
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
College of Engineering and Computer Science / Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Division
Provost - Academic Affairs
FTE
.5
Scope of Job
Maximum appointment is limited to twenty (20) hours per week (50% FTE) during the Fall and Spring semesters. Maximum appointment may be increased up to forty (40) hours per week (100% FTE) during the summer if funded by a grant.
Dr. Ahsan's Lab in the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UTRGV will be immediately recruiting a motivated graduate (master's/PhD) student to start as early as Summer 2026. The selected candidate will work on a funded research project focused on developing novel alloys for energy applications in harsh environments using additive manufacturing. This research involves integrating computational modeling, machine learning, and experimental investigations to design and characterize new alloys and composites fabricated via laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. This work is closely woven into materials science, additive manufacturing, and machine learning realm, with applications in energy and extreme environments. The candidate will receive a monthly stipend and tuition support.
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
The Research Assistant assistantship award is available to master's and doctoral students who are assigned to a specific faculty member who is conducting research or a scholarly endeavor. Duties will vary depending on the project and assigned research/scholarly functions, or other creative aspects.
Preferred Qualifications
Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Number of Vacancies
Multiple
Desired Start Date
06/01/2026
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Open Date
01/27/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
If you are interested, please send the following ASAP to Dr. AMM Nazmul Ahsan at ammnazmul.ahsan@utrgv.edu :
This position is expected to be filled immediately.
All applications must be submitted via the UTRGV application portal at https://careers.utrgv.edu.
If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application.
A Criminal Background Check must be conducted for all applicants.
Quick Link
https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/50078
Title Information
Assistantship Title
Graduate Research Assistant
Job Class Code
10095
FLSA
Exempt
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be admitted to a graduate degree program
- Be in good academic standing
- Be registered full-time for the respective semester (nine semester credit hours during the fall semester, nine semester credit hours during spring semester, three semester credit hours during the summer session(s)), or in the required number of semester credit hours to fulfill the only remaining requirements on the degree plan.
Position Information
Posting Number
A1346
Working Title
Research Assistant in Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing
Location
Edinburg, Texas
College
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Department
College of Engineering and Computer Science / Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
Division
Provost - Academic Affairs
FTE
.5
Scope of Job
Maximum appointment is limited to twenty (20) hours per week (50% FTE) during the Fall and Spring semesters. Maximum appointment may be increased up to forty (40) hours per week (100% FTE) during the summer if funded by a grant.
Dr. Ahsan's Lab in the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UTRGV will be immediately recruiting a motivated graduate (master's/PhD) student to start as early as Summer 2026. The selected candidate will work on a funded research project focused on developing novel alloys for energy applications in harsh environments using additive manufacturing. This research involves integrating computational modeling, machine learning, and experimental investigations to design and characterize new alloys and composites fabricated via laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing. This work is closely woven into materials science, additive manufacturing, and machine learning realm, with applications in energy and extreme environments. The candidate will receive a monthly stipend and tuition support.
Discipline Specific Required Qualifications
The Research Assistant assistantship award is available to master's and doctoral students who are assigned to a specific faculty member who is conducting research or a scholarly endeavor. Duties will vary depending on the project and assigned research/scholarly functions, or other creative aspects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Materials Science and Engineering
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering (required for Ph.D. applicants)
- Experience with additive manufacturing, materials characterization, and/or physics-informed machine learning
- Proficiency in Python programming is preferred
Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Number of Vacancies
Multiple
Desired Start Date
06/01/2026
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.
Open Date
01/27/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
If you are interested, please send the following ASAP to Dr. AMM Nazmul Ahsan at ammnazmul.ahsan@utrgv.edu :
- Current CV,
- How you meet the qualifications in 2/3 sentences or bullet points, and
- Unofficial graduate+undergraduate transcripts.
This position is expected to be filled immediately.
All applications must be submitted via the UTRGV application portal at https://careers.utrgv.edu.
If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email and phone. You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application.
A Criminal Background Check must be conducted for all applicants.
Quick Link
https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/50078
What University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Education
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Edinburg, TX, US