Research Specialist Advanced

William & Mary; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary’s Multispecies Research Group seeks a Research Specialist Advanced to lead Atlantic menhaden field surveys and tagging operations. The role includes overseeing sampling, coordinating field activities, and contributing to lab processing of samples for age and diet analyses.

You will work within a large, collaborative team, develop data processing pipelines, and help prepare reports and manuscripts. A bachelor’s in a scientific field is required, with a master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly experienced in laboratory, field, and research discipline as a Research Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Leads field surveys or research procedures with lab or field teams.
• Writes or modifies computer programs to analyze data and generate reports.
• Reviews literature related to project procedures and writes report segments.
• Coordinates budget expenditures for grants or projects.
• Supervises and assists lower-level staff; troubleshoots instruments and performs maintenance.
• Performs laboratory processing of samples for age determination and diet analysis.

Skills

Field surveys

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Budget knowledge

Programming (R/Python/SAS)

Education

Bachelor's degree in scientific discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

R

Matlab

Python

SAS

GIS

Job description

Research Specialist Advanced

Location

Nunnally Hall/Fisheries Science (VIMS Gloucester)

Job Description Summary

• Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery.
• Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance.
• Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality.

Unit Mission Statement

• Collect and analysis of fisheries data in support of resource management and ecological conservation activities in Chesapeake Bay and along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
• This group maintains a robust field, laboratory, and analytical infrastructure that is designed to support this mission.

Position Summary

The Research Specialist Advanced core responsibilities will be related to the preparation and the execution of survey and tagging operations focused on Atlantic menhaden research. This position will serve as a chief scientist on the MRG’s menhaden tagging project and contribute to the laboratory processing biological samples collected in the field. Participation in the MRG’s other long-term monitoring surveys will be as needed. The Research Specialist Advanced will be expected to lead field-based research sampling and tagging efforts, as well as assist with laboratory-based processing of fish hard parts for age determination and fish stomachs for diet analysis. This position will be expected to work well as part of a large team of employees across several research projects, with a focus on Atlantic menhaden research. Field-based sampling will occur on state and commercial vessels, while field data will be collected via a variety of automated data collection equipment using the Fisheries Environment for Electronic Data (FEED) software. The Research Specialist Advanced role performs advanced to expert level responsibilities in a laboratory, field setting, or for scientific research. This position engages in complex scientific procedures or research for a program manager, principal investigator or project director or by continuing to deliver scientific services while assuming additional supervisory and administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads work in the application of lab techniques, field surveys, or research procedures.
• Writes or modifies computer programs to analyze data and generate reports.
• Researches literature related to project/procedures.
• Writes segments of reports and manuscripts.
• Contributes to coordination of grant by tracking budget expenditures.
• Supervises and assists lower-level staff.
• Troubleshoots instrument problems and performs preventive maintenance on equipment.

Required Qualifications

Education

Education: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Highly experienced in laboratory, field, and research discipline, most often obtained through experience and demonstrated competencies as a Research Specialist (in the Research Career Path).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct a variety of research techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
• Ability to independently carry out structured research projects and assist in developing research procedures.
• Ability to independently carry out defined procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to operate a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Ability to communicate data and research findings.
• Knowledge of contract budget maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Education: Master’s degree in scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop experimental design and research procedures.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and teach basic research processes, safety, techniques and methodology to lower-level employees.
• Ability to oversee and direct basic research operations including laboratory and field duties of lower-level employees.
• Knowledge of computer programming software (such as automating and analysis – R, Matlab, Python, SAS, GIS, webpage, etc.).
• Ability to present data and training to other research groups and external contacts.
• Knowledge of research proposal process.
• Technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of basic budget expenditures and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of small vessels/boats, or ability to obtain small vessel certification, when applicable.

Conditions of Employment

Salary: $48,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Conditions of Employment: This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy. This position is subject to overtime during field operations to include evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Ability to lift 60-pound baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 12- to 16-hour workday. Ability to successfully perform duties, often under adverse conditions (heavy seas, precipitation, high winds), for multiple weeks at a time, while resisting or successfully working through motion sickness. Ability to pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise upon employment. Ability to work on a commercial vessel in support of scientific research and stay on board the vessel overnight for several consecutive days. Term Restricted and Fund Restricted.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Field Research Operations – 60%

Lead field-based research activities associated with Atlantic menhaden survey and tagging operations, including tagging, biological sample collection, and implementation of established research and sampling procedures. Coordinate preparation for field operations, including organizing and loading supplies, preparing sampling equipment and gear, and ensuring necessary materials are available for research activities. Collect and maintain field data using established data collection procedures and equipment, including automated data collection systems and Fisheries Environment for Electronic Data (FEED) software. Support field research conducted aboard state and commercial vessels and participate in other Multispecies Research Group long-term monitoring surveys as needed. Maintain field equipment and gear through proper cleaning, storage, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance to support continued operational readiness.

Laboratory Research and Sample Processing – 15%

Perform routine and specialized laboratory procedures associated with biological samples collected through Atlantic menhaden research and other Multispecies Research Group monitoring activities. Collect, prepare, process, and record biological samples and associated data, including laboratory processing of fish hard parts for age determination and fish stomachs for diet analysis. Prepare media, equipment, and other materials required for laboratory procedures and conduct standard chemical, microscopic, bacteriological, or related laboratory sampling tests as required. Maintain laboratory equipment and work areas, including specialized equipment preparation, decontamination of materials, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.

Research Administration, Reporting, and Staff Support – 15%

Gather, review, and compare scientific literature and other data resources to support research activities, established procedures, and project requirements. Compile research information and contribute to preparation of reports, manuscripts, data summaries, and other project deliverables as needed. Assist with research and grant administration by tracking budget expenditures and supporting coordination of project activities and requirements. Supervise and assist direct reports and other staff as needed, providing guidance in research procedures, field and laboratory activities, and completion of assigned work.

Research Administration, Reporting, and Staff Support – 10%

Lead inventory management and resupply activities to ensure appropriate field, laboratory, and research materials are available to support ongoing projects. Write and modify computer programs used to analyze research data, generate reports, and support grant and project deliverables. Provide additional technical and operational support for Atlantic menhaden research and other Multispecies Research Group projects as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Applies knowledge of assigned technical or research area. Participates or leads in the design, modification and performance of laboratory or research projects. Frequent contact with private business, other state agencies or government entities, principal investigators, faculty, laboratory staff, students and researchers, and/or the general public to report and interpret results, provide consultation and technical assistance, and discuss research projects. Responsibilities include: participating in or leading work in the design, modification, evaluation and performance of laboratory, field surveys or research procedures; writing or modifying computer programs to analyze data and generate reports; researching literature related to project/procedures; conducting experiments; writing segments of reports and manuscripts; coordinating grants and budgets; assisting lower level staff; troubleshooting instrument problems and performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Job Profile

JP0056 - Laboratory & Research Specialist II - Nonexempt - Salary - S07

Qualifications: Compensation Grade: S07

Recruiting Start Date: 2026-08-31

Position Restrictions: Restricted Funds

EEO and Background Check

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Probationary Period Notice

Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

Remote Work Disclaimer

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Company Culture

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us.

William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‑being and professional growth, including access to on‑campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources. Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available. Learn more and explore our comprehensive benefits website.