Position Information Department Hatfield Marine Sci Ctr (RMS) Position Title Faculty Research Assistant Job Title Faculty Research Assistant: Plankton Lab (Internal Employment Opportunity) Appointment Type Academic Faculty Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.
The Hatfield Marine Science Center invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant: Plankton Lab position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Director. This position is located in Newport, Oregon.
The Faculty Research Assistant works with Principal Investigators (PIs) on research projects associated with plankton imaging, taxonomic identification, data collection and analysis. Primary responsibilities include deployment of underwater imaging equipment in freshwater ponds, and in the coastal ocean. Additional tasks include processing plankton samples, identifying and measuring larval fishes and their prey, potentially dissecting fish for their otoliths, and database management. Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit:
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use the to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. Key Responsibilities 100% – Conduct Research:
1. Deploys underwater imaging equipment in freshwater pond habitats
2. Enters data into database. Maintains accurate records of data collected.
3. Processes plankton samples to sort out, identify, and measure larval fishes.
4. Dissects fish to remove otoliths and prepares otoliths for microscopic analysis. Participates in otolith analysis.
5. Analyzes data and compiles into meaningful formats.
6. Occasional at-sea participation in research cruises.
What You Will Need
7. BS degree in Marine Biology.
8. Experience on major plankton-related research cruises off the Oregon coast.
9. 1+ years’ experience working in Plankton-Related research lab
10. Experience using dissecting microscopes to identify plankton.
11. Ability to work independently and creatively within a team environment and maintain a constructive, positive, and inclusive research culture.
12. Excellent time management skills to ensure timely completion of high priority tasks and projects.
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. What We Would Like You to Have
13. Experience deploying ichthyoplankton nets and underwater imaging equipment (ISSIS).
14. Familiarity with invertebrate and vertebrate fauna along the Oregon coast
15. Experience sampling freshwater ponds in Oregon and Washington.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule Majority of daily work will be in the laboratory processing plankton samples, most of which are preserved in 70% ethanol. Regular fieldwork sampling freshwater ponds from a kayak. Occasional work on research vessels collecting plankton data at sea. Such trips could be up to 21 days in duration at which times the employee might work more than 8 hours per day, including day and night hours. Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience. Link to Position Description