JOB OPPORTUNITY
Research Technician IV – Marine Ecology
The University of Southern Mississippi
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
Ocean Springs, MS
We seek a Research Technician to begin employment January 15, 2024 at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. The selected applicant will be co-supervised by Dr. Zachary Darnell and Dr. Kelly Darnell. The primary duties of the Research Technician are to support ongoing laboratory- and field-based projects focused on invertebrate behavior, coastal ecology, and seagrass biology in the Gulf of Mexico. Duties will include a combination of field work, laboratory sample processing, administrative tasks, and data analysis. Additional information on ongoing research projects can be found at:
https://www.thecraboratory.org/
https://www.darnellseagrassecologylab.com/
This position includes a salary of $40,000 per year and full benefits. The term of the position is 35 months (January 15, 2024–December 14, 2026), with the possibility for extension beyond this term if additional funding is available.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinates and conducts field operations across the northcentral Gulf of Mexico. This will include sampling for blue crabs and other nekton species using a variety of sampling gears (traps, trawls, etc.) and annual seagrass surveys.
- Coordinates and conducts mesocosm experiments in both recirculating and flow-through seawater systems, including experiments quantifying blue crab growth rates and lifetime reproductive output under changing thermal regimes.
- Assists with laboratory data acquisition including sample processing and video behavioral analyses.
- Operates small boats in support of field research efforts.
- Performs data entry and QA/QC in support of multiple projects.
- Conducts data analyses using univariate, multivariate, non-parametric, and spatial techniques.
- Assists with manuscript preparation and outreach efforts.
- Assists with other ongoing field and laboratory projects, and other duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, ecology, biology, or a related field and 3 years of research experience (can include research conducted during B.S. degree coursework) -OR- M.S. degree in a related field.
Preferred qualifications:
M.S. degree in a related field, experience using R statistical software and GIS software, ability to operate outboard-powered boats, and experience maintaining recirculating and flow-through seawater systems.
Additional Information:
This position will be located in Ocean Springs at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (https://www.usm.edu/gulf-coast-research-laboratory/index.php), a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels; the GCRL Museum collection; facilities at the Center for Fisheries Research and Development (CFRD) and Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC); and the NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries. Ocean Springs is known for its beauty, natural resources, and arts community. It is home to galleries, restaurants, and schools that are ranked among the best in the state.
Instructions to Applicants:
Applications must be submitted online (https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=3713&site=1). For full consideration, submit the following by November 1, 2023: (1) letter of interest; (2) curriculum vitae or resume; (3) contact information for three references. All documents must be uploaded at the time of submission. For questions about this position, please contact Dr. Zachary Darnell (zachary.darnell@usm.edu) or Dr. Kelly Darnell (kelly.darnell@usm.edu).
Zachary Darnell
Associate Professor, School of Ocean Science and Engineering
The University of Southern Mississippi
Office: 228-872-4298 | Cell: 270-991-7289