Faculty Research Assistant

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.•Newport, RI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

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. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. 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, and 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.

Requirements

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.
Must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq.
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.

Nice To Haves

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 seines, R, ArcGIS and other tools used to manage and analyze ecological data.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute field and laboratory research with USDA-ARS and OSU collaborators. Current projects include long-term burrowing shrimp population monitoring in several estuaries, estuarine habitat surveys, nekton habitat use, and studies aimed at quantifying shrimp population change across ecological boundaries (e.g., aquaculture, bed edge).
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.