RESEARCH ASSISTANT

State of Louisiana; Chauvin (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid leave

Job summary

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) invites applications for a Research Technician to support field and laboratory work in the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab led by Dr. Havalend Steinmuller, focusing on mangrove encroachment and coastal ecosystem change in Louisiana.

The role includes field sampling, instrument maintenance, data management, outreach, and collaboration within a dynamic marine science environment at Cocodrie.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field.
• Entry-level position; no prior experience required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to perform field work in hot, humid conditions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate soil and sediment sampling in coastal wetlands.
• Support lab operations including sample prep, processing, and QC.
• Assist with instrument maintenance and data management.
• Mentor undergraduate students and volunteers in lab activities.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Field sampling

Statistics (R)

Boater Education Certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biogeochemistry, Coastal/Marine science, Microbial Ecology, Oceanography, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Gas chromatographs

Elemental analyzers

Spectrophotometers

Total Organic Carbon analyzers

Job description

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), is seeking a highly motivated and organized Research Technician to join the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab led by Dr. Havalend Steinmuller. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to research examining mangrove encroachment and ecosystem change in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.

As Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the state and the Gulf region. Located at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, scientific collaboration, and public engagement in one of the nation’s most dynamic coastal environments.

The Research Technician will support field and laboratory research activities, including coordinating field sampling, processing and analyzing environmental samples, maintaining scientific instrumentation, and assisting with laboratory operations. The position reports directly to Dr. Steinmuller and will oversee undergraduate laboratory assistants and volunteers.

In addition to research responsibilities, the technician will participate in outreach and education initiatives associated with the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab and LUMCON. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that supports coastal resilience and ecosystem management while working within a collaborative marine science environment.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of Regents, serves as Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation. Through its statewide consortium of universities and partners, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address the environmental, economic, and societal challenges facing Louisiana, the Gulf region, and the nation.

LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities in coastal, marine, and oceanographic science and education for researchers, students, policymakers, and the public. Anchored by the state-of-the-art DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON is strategically situated within Louisiana’s dynamic coastal wetlands and provides direct access to the Gulf, enabling world-class research and field-based learning experiences.

The consortium operates a nationally recognized fleet of research vessels, offering capabilities unmatched along the U.S. Gulf Coast and supporting a broad range of scientific investigations, monitoring programs, and educational initiatives. Through these resources, LUMCON strengthens Louisiana’s leadership in marine science, coastal resilience, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.

LUMCON continues to expand its research, education, and outreach capacity through significant investments in infrastructure and maritime operations. In 2023, the consortium opened Blue Works, a maritime research and outreach facility located on the Maritime Campus in Houma. In 2025, a major boat slip and bulkhead project was completed on the campus, further enhancing marine operations capabilities. Additional growth includes the development of a new Marine Operations Center and the construction of the state’s next flagship research vessel, the 125-foot R/V Pelican II, both scheduled for completion in 2027.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, with preferred familiarity operating and maintaining scientific instruments such as gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience conducting field-based research activities, preferably including the collection and processing of soil cores.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management, with experience using R or similar statistical software preferred.
• Completion of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education Course or a comparable boating safety certification preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biogeochemistry, Coastal/Marine science, Microbial Ecology, Oceanography, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience

• This is an entry-level position; no prior experience is required.

Technical Competencies

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and participate in extended field work within the hot, humid climate of south Louisiana.
• Comfortable working outdoors in and around water.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• The skills and certifications necessary to operate and trailer LUMCON small vessels (https://lumcon.edu/small-boats/) – or the willingness to quickly obtain these skills.
• Familiarity with data management.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates possessing:

• Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably with the following instrumentation: gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and/or total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience in a field setting, preferably with collecting soil cores.
• Experience with statistical computing, preferably R.
• Completion of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education course or an applicable alternate course.

JOB DUTIES

Field & Sample Collection

• Coordinates and completes soil and sediment sampling activities in coastal and wetland environments.
• Assists with field-based research operations, including site preparation and data/sample collection.
• Operates small research vessels in support of field sampling efforts.
• Occasionally performs duties associated with sample collection from aboard LUMCON’s research vessels.

Laboratory Processing & Analysis

• Collects, processes, and assists with the analysis of plant, soil, and sediment samples.
• Supports laboratory operations, including sample preparation, processing, and quality control procedures.
• Assists with routine instrument maintenance and general laboratory support tasks.

Data Management & Research Support

• Assists with data entry, organization, and preliminary analysis.Participates in lab meetings and contributes to ongoing research discussions.
• Supports preparation of materials for peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.

Mentorship & Collaboration

• Provides support and mentorship to undergraduate students and/or volunteers involved in laboratory and field activities.
• Promotes innovative talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain qualified employees.

POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS

• Appointment Type: This position is an unclassified appointment and may be filled through external recruitment or promotion of a current employee.
• Worksite Location: Cocodrie, Louisiana
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday business hours, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel requirements as operational needs dictate.
• Security Requirements: This position is designated as security sensitive and may require completion of applicable background investigations and employment verification requirements.
• Physical Demands: The physical requirements of this position may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, travel, and extended computer use necessary to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a professional office and laboratory environment and may include occasional remote, hybrid, conference, training, meeting, or field settings depending upon operational needs.
• Travel Requirements: Travel may include local, statewide, national, or occasional regional travel to support agency operations, research cruises, meetings, conferences, and strategic initiatives.

BENEFITS INFORMATION

The Louisiana Board of Regents offers meaningful career opportunities for individuals committed to advancing higher education, workforce development, research, and economic growth throughout Louisiana. As a Board of Regents employee, you will enjoy competitive compensation, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact through public service.

Eligible employees may also participate in a comprehensive benefits program, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. Benefit eligibility varies by appointment type. Regular full-time employees are eligible for the full range of health and retirement benefits. Full-time temporary employees are generally eligible for health insurance and participation in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). Certain part-time employees may also be eligible to participate in the ORP, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.

Health & Life: Fulltime employees are eligible for group health and life insurance coverage through the Office of Group Benefits.

Retirement: Full-time employees are required to contribute 8% of their base pay to a Louisiana retirement system. The retirement system provides retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. Regents’ employees have the option of joining the Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). ORP is also available to some part-time positions.

Accrued Leave: Unclassified state employees earn sick and annual leave in accordance with Executive Order Number JML 24-122, Rules on Leave for The Unclassified Service.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information about this posting, please contact:

Dr. Havalend Steinmuller

[e-mail]