Faculty Research Assistant: Marine Mammal Institute-GEMM Lab

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

The Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University invites applications for an hourly or salaried part-time (0.60 FTE), 12-month fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position based in Newport, Oregon. The GEMM Lab will host this role supporting research activities, field operations, and lab management.

The successful candidate will operate small boats, conduct marine mammal surveys, manage equipment, and assist with data management and sample archiving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences with 2 years of significant research experience.
• Experience as a marine mammal observer.
• Extensive experience as a small boat driver around cetaceans.
• Experience in ecological data collection including cetacean photo-ID, behavioral observations, drone operations, suction-cup tagging, biopsy.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operate small boat (e.g., RHIB, Zodiac) around cetaceans for ecological data collection
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on research vessel, truck, and trailer, and coordinate specialized maintenance and repairs as needed
• Conduct marine mammal survey observations aboard US Coast Guard helicopters and mid-size and large research vessels
• Oversight of equipment (cameras, drones, sensors, etc.) maintenance, storage, organization
• Data management and sample storage/archiving
• Process and organize photo-ID images

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences

Marine mammal observer experience

Small boat operation around cetaceans

Data collection and field operations

Strong organizational skills

Clear communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Independent and creative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences

Master’s degree in natural sciences (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Access

ArcGIS

MATLAB

R programming

Job description

Department:

Marine Mammal Institute

Special Instructions to Applicants:

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. A resume/CV; and

1. A cover letter detailing qualifications and experience.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact:

Leigh Torres

[e-mail]

Job Summary:

The Marine Mammal Institute invites applications for an hourly or salaried part-time (0.60 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

I am seeking a Faculty Research Assistant to work in my research lab (The GEMM Lab) within the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University based in Newport, Oregon https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab. This position will support multiple aspects of research activities, field operations, and lab management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate small boat (e.g., RHIB, Zodiac) around cetaceans for ecological data collection
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on research vessel, truck, and trailer, and coordinates specialized maintenance and repairs as needed
• Conduct marine mammal survey observations aboard US Coast Guard helicopters and mid-size and large research vessels
• Oversight of equipment (cameras, drones, sensors, etc.) maintenance, storage, organization
• Data management and sample storage/archiving
• Process and organize photo-ID images

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences with 2 years’ significant research experience
• Experience as a marine mammal observer
• Extensive experience as a small boat driver around cetaceans
• Experience in ecological data collection, including cetacean photo-ID, behavioral observations, prey sampling, drone operations, suction-cup tagging, biopsy
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear, honest communication skills
• Ability to work on collaborative projects with a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work independently and creatively within a team environment and maintain a constructive and positive research culture.

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in the natural sciences
• Experience using Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, and/or Matlab
• Experience using R programming for data wrangling, organization, and visualization and statistical analysis.
• Record of scientific publication as lead or co-author
• Experience conducting photo-ID analysis of cetaceans.
• Demonstrated success of working on several concurrent projects and adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines.

Working Conditions/Schedule:

This position must be able to work regularly in outdoor environments, including on boats in marine environments. Incumbent must be able to lift heavy objects (>30lbs). Occasional travel and driving for remote fieldwork is expected. Incumbent must have ability and willingness to work occasional long days in the field when the weather is right, which may include weekends and holidays.

Salary Range:

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-11-02

Anticipated End Date:

2027-06-30

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].