Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Harte Research Institute For Gulf Of Mexico Studies

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

PURPOSE

An Assistant Research Scientist position is available at the Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies (https://www.harteresearchinstitute.org/ ). We are interested in researchers with a broad interest in coastal ecosystem health assessments and in working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that these assessments inform and support management/conservation efforts. HRI has developed a framework for assessing coastal ecosystem health that has been adopted by stakeholders across Texas. To support our goal of producing updated ecosystem health assessments on a two-year cycle and for possibly expanding this work across the Gulf of Mexico, we are looking for an Assistant Research Scientist with a keen interest in blending ecosystem health research with stakeholder engagement and outreach. The primary obligations for the Assistant Research Scientist will be to: 1) compile and synthesize available datasets for indicators of ecosystem and socio-economic health along the Texas coast and the broader Gulf of Mexico, 2) communicate broadly with stakeholders, scientists, and resource managers at the local, regional, state level and federal level, and 3) assume a leadership role in the development and production of ecosystem health Report Cards and related peer-reviewed publications. Opportunities also exist for participation in ongoing field-based studies in Texas estuaries with one or more HRI researchers. 

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Research 

Percent Effort: 85%

Job Duties

• Research, compile and synthesize available datasets for indicators of ecosystem and socioeconomic health along the Texas coast.

• Communicate broadly with stakeholders, scientists, and resource managers at the local, regional, and state level.

• Collaborate with other members of one or more lab groups at HRI, and mentor undergraduate/early career graduate students in the lab.

• Develop and seek funding for new avenues of research related to coastal ecosystem health and health assessments.

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Functional Area 2: Other

Percent Effort: 15%

Job Duties

• Present research results at public meetings and national/international meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Marine Science, Ecosystem Science, or related field by the start date.

• Interest in integrating social, cultural, and economic perspectives into ecosystem health assessments.

• Experience with statistical tools for analysis of long-term ecological data, including time-series.

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience communicating scientific findings to a broad audience.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Desire to work with a broad spectrum of collaborators, managers, and stakeholders.

• Experience with project management and ability to meet project goals in a timely manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with development, implementation, and interpretation of biotic and abiotic indicators for determining ecosystem health.

• Two (2) or more years of experience monitoring the health of marine, estuarine and/or freshwater ecosystems.

SALARY : Commensurate

NOTE: This is a grant funded position and is contingent upon funding.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-campus wellness opportunities

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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.