Faculty Research Assistant in Newport

The Department of Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. This position is located in Newport, Oregon. The incumbent will assist Oregon State University (OSU) and the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Pacific Shellfish Research Unit (USDA-ARS, PSRU) researchers with projects related to shellfish aquaculture.

These projects involve:

• Mapping shellfish aquaculture and other estuarine habitats in coastal estuaries using GPS and GIS.
• Designing and conducting surveys to investigate the use of these estuarine habitats by fish and invertebrates.
• Examining burrowing shrimp populations in coastal estuaries as they impact shellfish aquaculture.
• Investigating survival of shellfish (primarily oysters) when exposed to burrowing shrimp and other stressors including temperature, low pH, high PCO2 water, pathogens like OSHv-1 in the estuarine environment.

The incumbent is expected to assist with conducting field work, processing samples, entering data, data analyses, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute field and laboratory research with USDA-ARS and OSU collaborators.
• Enter and maintain accurate records for data collected in above field and laboratory studies.
• Process, analyze and interpret data using statistical modeling tools (e.g. R, ArcGIS).
• Compile research findings; co-author presentations and manuscripts for publication.
• Participate in ongoing research planning discussions.
• Store samples, maintain databases, inventory and store chemicals, service and maintain small boats and field equipment, and maintain safe laboratory conditions.
• Process field-collected samples, such as measuring burrowing shrimp and other fish and invertebrates and recording data.
• Supervise volunteers or other student employees as needed which may include planning, assigning and approving work.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• MS in field related to biological science.
• Experience designing and conducting biological/ecological field studies.
• Experience analyzing ecological and community data using both parametric and non-parametric techniques.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with marine/estuarine science and/or shellfish aquaculture.
• Experience working on small boats.
• Experience using handheld GPS units, water monitoring equipment, underwater video cameras, fishing traps and beach seine, R, ArcGIS and other tools used to manage and analyze ecological data.

Working Conditions/Schedule:

This position involves field work, which may occur at non-standard times due to tide cycles. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Field work may be conducted in inclement weather. The incumbent may be required to lift, carry, push, and pull objects (cores, nets, cameras, and other collection devices) weighing up to 50 pounds. Travel may also be required.

Salary Range:

Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-09-14

Anticipated End Date:

2027-06-30

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.

If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate.