Research Assistant

Research-Foundation-Cun; New York (NY); Remote; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

RFCUNY's CUNY SPS Data Science program invites applications for a part-time research assistant role. The project models physiological roles of polyphosphate storage in marine phytoplankton, blending programming and analysis of experimental data under Dr. George Hagstrom.

The position is remote, funded for 100 hours in Fall 2026 semester; candidate will help with data analysis, literature review, and model development, with weekly PI meetings to set objectives and review progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, or mathematical discipline OR Bachelor’s degree with experience solving scientific problems.
• Knowledge of at least one programming language, preferably R.
• Experience with Python, Julia, Matlab, C/C++, or Fortran may substitute depending on knowledge level.
• Experience using scientific visualization libraries such as ggplot.

Responsibilities

• Help PI with data analysis, literature review, and model development.
• Participate in weekly meetings with PI to set weekly objectives and review progress.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

R

Python

Julia

Matlab

C/C++

Fortran

Education

Bachelor's degree in scientific, engineering, or mathematical discipline

Tools

ggplot

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.Primary Location:CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIESBargaining Unit:NoAbout the CUNY School of Professional Studies:As a leading online school in New York since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule. As CUNY SPS moves beyond its’ 20th year, we dedicate ourselves to engendering an innovative and transformative student-centered experience.Partnership Description: The CUNY SPS Data Science program awards Master’s Degrees in Data Science. Dr. George Hagstrom is a Doctoral Lecturer in this program and the PI on this project who will supervise this position.Position Description: PI is seeking to hire a student with data science training and an interest in marine ecosystems, microbial ecology, and biogeochemistry to work on a project to model the physiological roles of polyphosphate storage in marine phytoplankton. This project will involve a mixture of computer programming and analysis of experimental data, as suits project needs and student interests. This is a part time program with funding for 100 hours of work, to be completed during the Fall 2026 semester.Position Duties and Responsibilities:Help PI with data analysis, literature review, and model development. Participate in weekly meetings with PI to set weekly objectives and go over progress. Other duties as assigned.Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific, engineering, or mathematical discipline OR Bachelor’s degree and experience working on scientific problems.Knowledge of at least one programming language, preferably R. Experience in other languages such as Python, Julia, Matlab, C/C++, Fortran, may substitute depending on knowledge level.Experience using scientific visualization libraries such as ‘ggplot’Interest in data analysis of marine ecological systems.To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume.Please note: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis. Sponsorship is not available for this position.Location: RemotePay Range:$20 to $20 per hourRFCUNY BenefitsEqual Employment Opportunity StatementThe Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.