Job Details

Research Assistant III/IV - Research Associate I/II/III

This position is located in Mobile, Alabama at the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center (AUMERC) with work being done in the Mississippi Sound and Mobile Bay. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for assisting the Pls of AUMERC in ongoing grant-funded extension and research projects including but not limited to an investigation of estuarine and nearshore microbial/physicochemical water quality conditions, evaluation of oyster restoration locations and approaches, Oyster Gardening programs located in both Mississippi and Alabama, as well as additional projects related to the study of water and habitat quality within the greater Mobile Bay area. This position will require significant time spent in the field and on AUMERC vessels where working conditions can be wet, muddy, hot, and sunny. The position will require regular scuba diving in low to zero visibility conditions of Mobile Bay and the MS Sound. There will also be regular lab and office work including meetings. The selected candidate should be comfortable in all the above-mentioned settings. Limited overnight travel may be necessary while same-day travel will be routine.

Essential Functions

• Assist PIs with the extension and research projects listed in the job summary above, with primary responsibility being within nearshore water quality investigations.
• Assist AUMERC staff with the care, maintenance, and calibration of field and lab equipment.
• Collection and analysis of field samples (e.g., water, oysters, and algae).
• Maintain records/databases and files of research.
• Assist with grant reporting and publication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or as needed.

Why Work at Auburn?

Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.

Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.

We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Minimum Qualifications

Research Assistant III: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field and 4 years of experience in field data collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting.

Research Assistant IV: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field and 6 years of experience in field data collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting.

Research Associate I: Master's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field; no experience required.

Research Associate II: Master's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field and 2 years of experience in field data collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting.

Research Associate III: Master's degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field and 4 years of experience in field data collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting.

Salary commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities Must possess excellent written and oral communication (public engagement) skills, as well as being competent at following protocols/instructions and well organized. The candidate must also be able to work independently, be willing to work in all types of weather conditions, and able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Technology Skills Must be competent with Microsoft Office programs; additional software training will be provided upon hire.

Minimum License and Certifications A valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment is required as well as reliable transportation to work and field sites (mileage reimbursement provided). SCUBA certified. Current Boat/Vessel Operator endorsement required within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include the following: Thesis based MS in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science or closely related field completed by the time of hire. Boat driving/docking experience under a variety of conditions, Field data collection Multiparameter instrument handling/logging. Oyster/water sample collection. Open water SCUBA certification. Hands-on experience with typical laboratory equipment (e.g., drying ovens, microscopes, and autoclaves).

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range: $41,000 - $85,360

Job Category: Research

City position is located in: Mobile

State position is located: Alabama

Must be willing to work in all types of weather conditions, and able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please utilize the attachment feature of our online employment site and attach/upload a cover letter and resume.

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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter Optional Documents