The University of Tulsa · 11 hours ago
Senior Research Technician
The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences. They are seeking a Senior Research Technician to lead research operations, provide technical guidance, and ensure the efficient execution of research experiments while maintaining safety standards.
EducationHigher EducationVocational Education
Responsibilities
Lead operation and maintenance of research facilities for refining technologies projects, ensuring safe and efficient execution of research experiments
Develop, review, and improve operating procedures, startup/shutdown protocols, and safety/operating checklists for experimental systems
Provide hands-on technical guidance to graduate students and research staff in conducting experiments, ensuring compliance with established procedures
Monitor, collect, process, and verify experimental data for accuracy and completeness
Prepare written summary test reports, and documentation of operational changes, deviations, and corrective actions
Maintain accurate operational logs and research documentation
Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment including pumps, compressors, furnaces, boilers, chillers, control valves, and ancillary systems with minimal supervision
Troubleshoot mechanical, electronic, and process issues in high‑pressure/high‑temperature environments using sound judgment and operational experience. Schedule and conduct regular equipment maintenance in accordance with industry standards
Identify recurring reliability issues and propose improvements to reduce downtime and improve safety and performance
Construct or modify research facilities and procure necessary equipment or parts. Assist with equipment specification, installation planning, and checkout/commissioning of new or modified systems
Maintain adequate inventory of consumables and spare parts; request and track orders to ensure uninterrupted operations
Make timely decisions and solve problems to maintain test quality and operational efficiency
Provide training and mentoring to junior technicians and student operators as needed
Participate in safety reviews, pre-run readiness checks, and post-run lessons learned to continuously improve facility operations
Qualification
Required
Strong mechanical aptitude, with basic to advanced electronics skills
Demonstrated ability to operate and troubleshoot equipment in high pressure/high temperature environments
Demonstrated experience operating a DCU (Delayed Coker Unit), VDU (Vacuum Distillation Unit) and a large-scale thermal cracking unit (or closely related thermal cracking operations) including startup/shutdown practices, stable operation monitoring, and response to upsets
Experience operating or interfacing with VDU controls/VDU console environments and handling process alarms, trends, and operational logs. Prior experience with Allen Bradley controls a plus
Proven proficiency with pumps, compressors, and control valves in high‑pressure environments
Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with a diverse team, including students
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Associates Degree and 5 years equivalent technical experience
Minimum 5+ years of experience as a refining operator (or equivalent refinery operations background) supporting or operating process units
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in engineering or science, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Company
The University of Tulsa
UTulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry.
H1B Sponsorship
The University of Tulsa has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (17)
2024 (17)
2023 (17)
2022 (15)
2021 (7)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.15MKey Investors
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
2023-01-10Grant· $0.15M
Leadership Team
Recent News
The Journal Record
2025-12-28
Venture Capital
2025-12-27
2025-12-27
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