Research Scientist Associate I

Job Posting Title:

Research Scientist Associate I

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Hiring Department:

College of Natural Sciences

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Apr 30, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027

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Location:

MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE

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Job Details:

General Notes

Position is scheduled to terminate on August 31, 2027 with possibility of extension with project renewal. POSITION IS LOCATED IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS.

The purpose of this role is to assist in the research of the Beaufort Sea and conduct field work along the Arctic coast, as well as local estuarine systems of South Texas.

Responsibilities

· Assist with logistics associated with field sampling and sample collection following SOPs in South Texas estuarine systems and the Beaufort Sea (Utqiagvik, Deadhorse, Kaktovik)

· Operate small boats, snow machines, and ice drills for sample collection.

· Assist with biota sorting and identification in the lab (using compound and dissecting scopes).

· Conduct routine laboratory analyses for constituents including dissolved inorganic nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, phosphate), stable C and N isotopic composition, dissolved and particulate organic matter, sediment grain size and chlorophyll.

· Calculation of stoichiometric ratios

· Maintain records of supply and travel purchases.

· Produce written quarterly and annual reports as required by sponsors.

· Maintain field logs for instruments and sensors and accurate records and backups of data.

· Mentor teachers and students selected for research experiences.

· Participate in public education and outreach activities.

Required Qualifications

· B.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science plus two years of related experience

· Ability to use specialized research instrumentation/equipment as required by the project.

· Background in benthic studies that includes work in seagrass, marsh, and open bay bottoms in estuarine and coastal systems.

· Knowledge of the application of isotopic and stoichiometric signatures in ecology

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

· M.S. degree with major coursework in marine/environmental science.

· Experience working in estuarine environments in both low and high latitude systems (all seasons) on small boats and research vessels.

· Ability to conduct remote field work for extended periods ranging from 3-6 weeks.

· Experience with short- and long-term deployment of field instrumentation (for example, CTDs (RBR, YSI, Hobo, Star-Oddi), SeaFETS, LI-COR light meters, and Lowell tilt current meters; familiarity with in situ sensors (pressure, dissolved oxygen, PAR, and chlorophyll), and associated instrumentation software.

· Positive personality and ability to work in groups.

· Clear evidence of professional writing and communication skills.

· Proficiency in Word, R, Excel, and data acquisition programs.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$40,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

· May work around chemicals.

· May work around standard laboratory conditions.

· May work around standard office conditions.

· Repetitive use of a keyboard at workstation.

· Use of manual dexterity

Required Materials

· Resume/CV

· 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

· Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials h