RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The State of Louisiana is hiring a Research Assistant for the Benthic Ecology Lab at LUMCON in Chauvin, LA, starting January 2024. The role involves assisting with projects on invasive species and biogenic habitats, requiring field, lab, and computer work. Candidates should be comfortable outdoors, possess data management skills, and have experience coding in R. The position includes coordinating sampling, assisting students, and contributing to publications.
LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation.

LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research community and public alike. Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in Louisiana’s dynamic wetland environment and conveniently located on a gateway to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From this facility, LUMCON operates a world-class fleet of research vessels unmatched in the Gulf of Mexico.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Benthic Ecology Lab (archerbenthicecologylab.com) at Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking to hire one Research Assistant beginning as early as January 2024. The successful applicant will assist Dr. Archer on multiple projects focused on invasive species (Invasive carp) and the ecology of biogenic habitats (e.g., oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and sponge grounds). The successful applicant will join a growing lab that uses a wide variety of approaches (e.g., food web ecology, bioacoustics) to examine how habitat-forming species influence the world around them and how human activities influence the health and function of these habitats. The position will involve a combination of field, lab, and computer-based work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Comfortable working outdoors in and around water.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• The skills and certifications necessary to operate and trailer LUMCON small vessels (https://lumcon.edu/small-boats/) – or the willingness to quickly obtain these skills.
• Familiarity with data management.
• Experience coding in R.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Interest in mentoring student interns.

IDEAL CANDIDATE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Familiarity with coastal Gulf of Mexico flora and fauna.
• Experience with passive acoustic data.
• Experience coding in python.
• Interest in authoring or coauthoring scientific publications.
• Ability to quickly obtain scientific diving certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited the following:
• Coordinate oyster reef sampling for Louisiana’s Marine Biodiversity Observatory Network.
• Assist graduate students with field work on oyster reefs and artificial reefs.
• Obtain, process, and assist with analysis of contaminants in invasive carp.
• Manual and automated review of passive acoustic recordings.
• Assist with data entry, organization, and analysis.
• Attend lab meetings.
• Contribute to peer reviewed publications as appropriate.
• Operate small vessels.
• SCUBA Dive, as necessary, to assist graduate students with data collection.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.

Contact Information:

Stephanie Archer

sarcher@lumcon.edu (email preferred)

(985) 851-2838

Board of Regents is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LRS/EmploymentResourceGuide_2018.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer

VACANCY INFORMATION:

This is an unclassified position.

This position is located in Cocodrie, LA.

Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.

Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.