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Research Technician IV, Temporary/Part-Time - Marine Ecology

The University of Southern Mississippi
Ocean Springs, United Statespart_timeVerifiedPosted 11 May 2026

About the role

Research Technician IV, Temporary/Part-Time - Marine Ecology

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Technician IV, Temporary/Part-Time - Marine Ecology.


Position Details Location Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564
United States

Division Coastal Sciences Position Type Staff Employment Status Part Time Grant Funded Yes Pay Grade

Generic Grade

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
 
The University of Southern Mississippi invites applicants for a Research Technician position. The position will be based out of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, MS and will be supervised by Dr. Zachary Darnell. The primary duties of the Research Technician are to support ongoing laboratory- and field-based projects focused on seagrass ecosystem responses to environmental change and crustacean growth and behavior. Duties will include a combination of field work, laboratory sample processing, administrative tasks, and data analysis. This is a temporary (up to 12 weeks), part-time (19 h/week) position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Coordinates and conducts field operations across the northcentral Gulf of Mexico. This will include sampling for blue crabs and other nekton using a variety of sampling gears (traps, trawls, epibenthic sled, etc.).
  2. Coordinates and conducts mesocosm experiments in both recirculating and flow-through seawater systems, including experiments quantifying blue crab growth rates and lifetime reproductive output under changing thermal regimes.
  3. Assists with laboratory data acquisition including sample processing and video behavioral analyses.
  4. Perform data analysis and report preparation
  5. Performs data entry and QA/QC in support of multiple projects.
  6. Conducts data analyses using univariate, multivariate, non-parametric, and spatial techniques.
  7. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, ecology, biology, or a related field and 3 years of research experience (can include research conducted during B.S. degree coursework) -OR- M.S. degree in a related field.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 
  • Demonstrated scientific, analytical, and numerical skills.
  • Ability to work independently and balance multiple tasks with different deadlines.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals.
  • Experience in working on small vessels.
Preferred Qualifications  
Research experience in crustacean ecology. Experience using R for statistical analyses. Possession of a valid driver's license. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean eng

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