Research Assistant I - 005319

University of South Alabama; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Alabama’s Stoke School of Marine and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a Research Assistant I in the Marine Sciences department on the Mobile campus. The role focuses on microbial ecology, sediment biogeochemistry, and field and laboratory work.

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a physical or natural science and be prepared to assist with field cruises, supervise students, and maintain equipment.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a physical or natural science.
• Experience in microbial ecology or biogeochemistry preferred.
• Ability to work on field research and ships for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Participates in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of sediment and seawater.
• Performs sediment coring and aseptic sampling.
• Lead field research and logistics, including research ships for 5-30 days.
• Assists with training and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in field and laboratory procedures.

Skills

Field sampling

Laboratory skills

Leadership / supervision

Education

Master's degree in physical or natural science

Tools

Sediment coring equipment

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Number: 005319

Position Title: Research Assistant I

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: 421200 - Marine Sciences

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

Job Description Summary: The University of South Alabama’s Stoke School of Marine and Environmental Sciences is seeking to hire a Research Assistant I. Interested candidates should apply to be considered.

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: 1

Working Days: Monday - Friday

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

Job Location: Main Campus

Full-time or Part-Time: Full Time

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Job Open Date: 10/21/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 Opportunity Investigator 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.

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