Research Assistant I

University of South Alabama; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Alabama seeks a research technician to contribute to microbial ecology and biogeochemistry studies of sediment and seawater at the Mobile campus.

Responsibilities include field sampling, sediment coring, and aseptic techniques; leading field campaigns and coordinating with students and ship-based research teams, while maintaining equipment and data integrity. Regular hours, on-site work, and adherence to safety protocols are required.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a physical or natural science as approved by the University of South Alabama.
• Requires ability to work on field and lab procedures as part of the project.

Responsibilities

• Participates in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of sediment and seawater.
• Uses field-oriented skills to perform sediment coring and aseptic sampling.
• Leads field research and logistics, including working on research ships for 5-30 days.
• Assists with training and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in field and laboratory procedures.
• Maintains field and laboratory equipment, including calibration and inventory management.
• Processes, curates, and analyzes biological and environmental samples in laboratory settings using established methods.
• Assists with the design, implementation, and execution of field and laboratory research protocols under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Participates in outreach and extension activities that support departmental and lab objectives.
• Works with students in both field and lab settings.
• Regular and prompt attendance; ability to work defined schedule and additional hours as required.

Skills

Sediment sampling

Microbial ecology

Field leadership

Student supervision

Equipment maintenance

Education

Masters degree in physical or natural science

Job description

Masters degree in a physical or natural science from an accredited institution as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama.

Preferred Qualifications

Job Description Summary

Essential Functions These are the job duties required of the position. Essential Functions

• Participates in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of sediment and seawater.
• Uses field-oriented skills to perform sediment coring and aseptic sampling.
• Takes a lead role in executing field research and logistics, which will entail working on research ships for 5-30 days, depending on cruise duration.
• Assists with training and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in field and laboratory procedures.
• Maintains field and laboratory equipment, including calibration, troubleshooting, and inventory management.
• Processes, curates, and analyzes biological and environmental samples in laboratory settings using established methods.
• Assists with the design, implementation, and execution of field and laboratory research protocols under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Participates in outreach and extension activities that support departmental and lab objectives.
• Works with students in both field and lab settings.
• Regular and prompt attendance.
• Ability to work schedule as defined and additional hours as required.
• Related duties as required.

Posting Information

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Position End Date (if temporary)

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/21/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Working Days

Working Days Monday - Friday

Working Hours

Working Hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Job Location

Job Location Main Campus

Full-time or Part-Time

Full-time or Part-Time Full Time

Regular or Temporary

Regular or Temporary Regular

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you at least 18 years of age?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a legal right to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * The University of South Alabama typically does not sponsor individualsfor staff positions. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• * What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • Less than High School
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
  • Masters Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
  • Terminal Degree (or will obtain within 6 months)
• * How many years of related experience do you have?
  • Less than 1 year
  • Between 1 - 3 years
  • Between 3 - 5 years
  • Between 5 - 7 years
  • More than 7 years
• * How did you hear about this position?
  • USA website
  • LinkedIn
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Indeed
  • HigherEd Jobs
  • Alabama Career Center / Alabama Works
  • Facebook
  • Word of mouth
  • Other

Required Documents Optional Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please notify the Equal Employment OpportunityInvestigator or the Associate Vice President, Finance and Administration/CHRO.

EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The University of South Alabama publishes certain crime statistics for the most recent three-year period as required by the Jeanne Clery Act. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the school. The report, along with additional information, is available online at: http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/police/resources/fireandsafetyreport.pdf . You may also request a paper copy from the University Police office located at 290 Stadium Blvd, Beta Gamma Commons Building, Mobile, AL 36688.