Research Associate Specialist

Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana State University seeks a Research Associate Specialist for the Fish and Mussel Ecology Lab at the LSU AgCenter in Baton Rouge. The role involves diverse field and lab tasks supporting a program on invasive species ecology, with emphasis on freshwater mussels and related data collection.

The candidate should hold a BS/BA in biological sciences or related field and have field experience with freshwater invertebrates, plus ability to work outdoors, operate boats, and maintain equipment.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in biological sciences or a related field.
• Experience with freshwater invertebrates.
• Lab and field data collection experience.
• Ability to drive boats and perform field sampling.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field and lab work on invasive species ecology.
• Maintain lab and field equipment and vehicles.
• Collaborate with graduate students and external partners.
• Travel to field sites and overnight stays may be required.

Skills

Fieldwork

Boat operation

Data collection

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

BS/BA in biological sciences

Job description

Title

Research Associate Specialist

Position Type

Other Academic

Department

LSUAG PL2 - SRNR - Renewable Natural Resources (Garrett Hopper (00082044))

Work Location

0120 Renewable Natural Resources Building

Pay Grade

Other Academic

Job Description

(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 09/07/2027. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.) Work Location: School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The Fish and Mussel Ecology Lab based at LSU AgCenter is seeking a Research Associate to assist with diverse field and lab work as part of a research program focused on invasive species ecology, physiology, and ecosystem functions. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (BA, BS) in biology, natural resource ecology management or related field and lab and field experience working with freshwater invertebrates, preferably freshwater mussels. The ideal candidate will be experienced in working in the field, driving and trailering boats, collecting field (plant, soils, bivalve) data, and sampling freshwater mussels or with aquaculture systems and aquatic animal husbandry. The successful candidate will be involved in several on-going projects involving the assessment of mussel assemblages, physiological responses to invasive species interactions, population performance, river ecosystem functioning, and be expected to help maintain lab and field equipment and vehicles. The position involves supporting and working with graduate students, as well as state, federal and non-governmental organization collaborators. Travel to field sites, including overnight stays, and occasional weekend work may be required.

Qualification Requirements

• Applicant must hold a BS or BA in biological sciences, natural resource ecology and management, or a related field.
• (1) experience working in the field, driving boats, and collecting field and laboratory data;
• (2) ability to work extended days outside during hot and cold days;
• (3) ability to work independently, create work plans, meet deadlines and collaborate;
• (4) experience and knowledge of freshwater mussel ecology.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options.

• retirement
• multiple medical insurance options
• supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.)
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses)
• university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas)
• generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.

Date Available

Upon completion of interview process.

Application Deadline

September 10, 2026, or until suitable candidate is selected.

Contact Information

Dr. Garrett Hopper School of Renewable Natural Resources LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6202 Tel.: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; Email: [e-mail] Website: www.lsuagcenter.com

Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed [e-mail].

Background Check

An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Positions Approved to Work Outside the State of Louisiana

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the LSU Agricultural Center

The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com.

LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences.

The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.