Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M University at Galveston

Department

Marine Biology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Galveston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who we are

We are the ocean campus of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Our employees come from throughout the world, with many different perspectives, talents, lived experiences, and interests. Aggies by the Sea promote a welcoming and highly productive work environment. We support the university’s goals to recruit and retain a quality workforce and encourage life-long learning practices.  We will do our part to assist you in your new position and encourage you to take advantage of training and development opportunities that are available to help you be successful.

What we want

The Research Assistant will fulfill roles in each of our research and conservation programs: in-water sea turtle capture, nesting stranding, rehabilitation, and necropsy. The responsibilities range from working research vessels, UTVs, and GCSTR trucks and includes the application of standard techniques of routine research and keeping detailed records of data. The employee will be involved in the nesting program and the logistics of maintaining motorized patrols, assisting in movement ecology research, optimal sea turtle nesting research, mortality studies, trophic studies including stable isotopes, and rehabilitation research. The applicant will assist the director in preparing and writing reports and proposals to funding agencies, assisting undergraduate graduate students, and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research; as well as installing, operating, maintaining, and/or repairing research equipment. The applicant will perform other related duties as assigned.

What you need to know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience.

Special Instructions: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload these in the CV/Resume section.

Other Factors: Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed. Machines or equipment, and lab equipment will be used in the performance of essential duties. Ability to lift or move 40 lbs. Must be willing and able to respond to off-campus, time-sensitive events, such as sea turtle nests, rescues, etc.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid Texas driver's license.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

• Knowledgeable in the use of word processing/spreadsheet software.

• Ability to work independently.

• Strong written and verbal and communication skills.

• Physical ability to repeatedly lift/move heavy objects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience with research and working in teams on research projects.

• Experience in managing volunteers in a conservation biology setting.

• Social media knowledge.

Responsibilities :

• Administration - Keeping detailed records of data and maintaining the Center/lab database. Assist the director in preparing and writing reports and proposals to funding agencies.

• Operations - Will work on research vessels, UTVs, and GCSTR trucks. Apply standard techniques of routine research. Assist in the nesting program and the logistics of maintaining motorized patrols, assisting in movement ecology research, optimal sea turtle nesting research, mortality studies, trophic studies including stable isotopes, and rehabilitation research. Assist undergraduate and graduate students with research projects, and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research. Install, operate, maintain, and/or repair research equipment. Will assist in recruiting and training federally permitted volunteers related to sea turtle stranding, rehabilitation, nesting and necropsy activities including public reports of stranded sea turtle or related issues. Responds to calls and events as needed on and off-campus, this will require driving a personal or university vehicle.

Why Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences.  Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. 

• Health , dental , vision , life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays. 

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave  and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. 

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time .

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more.

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time   for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee.

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.