Research Assistant I - 005319

NCSL International; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Alabama’s Stoke School of Marine and Environmental Sciences is seeking to hire a Research Assistant I. This role involves field and laboratory work in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry, with opportunities to lead field logistics and supervise students.

Applicants should hold a Masters in a physical or natural science and be willing to participate in field campaigns on research ships, campus-based lab duties, and outreach activities.

Qualifications

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

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 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 design, implementation, and execution of field and laboratory research protocols under PI direction.
• Participates in outreach and extension activities supporting departmental and lab objectives.
• Works with students in field and lab settings.
• Regular attendance and ability to work defined schedule and extra hours as required.

Skills

Field sampling

Microbial ecology

Laboratory analysis

Field logistics

Education

Masters degree in physical or natural science

Tools

Sediment coring

Aseptic sampling

Job description

Posting Details

Position Number: 005319

Position Title: Research Assistant I - 005319

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

Position End Date (if temporary):

Job Open Date: 10/21/2026

Job Close Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

Supplemental Questions

1. Are you at least 18 years of age?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Do you have a legal right to work in the United States?
   • Yes
   • No
3. The University of South Alabama typically does not sponsor individuals for staff positions. Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?
   • Yes
   • No
4. 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)
5. 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
6. 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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

1. Resume
2. 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 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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