Research Specialist I

VIMS1 Virginia Institute of Marine Science; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marine Advisory Program at William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) seeks a Research Specialist I to support at-sea survey cruises and data collection. The role involves inventory and procurement of supplies for research cruises and collaboration with Fisheries Research on field operations.

A strong candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, physical stamina for long days at sea, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
• Ability to work at sea for multiple weeks in all weather conditions.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Collects accurate data and executes field work following protocols.
• Collects biological samples during field work.
• Collects age, life history and diet information from fish and shellfish.
• Maintains equipment and supplies for field work and labs.
• Assists with data analysis and preparation of reports.

Skills

Sampling knowledge

Data analysis

Field operations

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Requisition

Job Requisition: JR102124 Research Specialist I (Open) Job Posting Title: Research Specialist I Department: CC00499 VIMS1 | RADV | MAP Job Family: Staff - Lab & Research Support Worker Sub-Type: Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term) Job Requisition Primary Location: Davis Hall Primary Job Posting Location: Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester

Job Description Summary

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality. The Marine Advisory Program at William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) includes education, outreach, and technical assistance in the areas of aquaculture, commercial and sport fishing, marine education, marine business, and seafood technology and safety. The importance of advisory services at The Batten School & VIMS equals that of research and graduate education. While all Batten School & VIMS faculty and scientists are from time to time involved in providing expert advice to the Commonwealth, the Marine Advisory Program is unique in that it is home to scientists whose sole responsibility is for advisory programs on behalf of Commonwealth citizenry, marine industries, and government.

Job Description

The Marine Advisory Program (MAP) has an exciting opportunity for a Research Specialist I position to serve as an integral member of the Fisheries Research group. The Research Specialist I will support at-sea survey cruises, and other field work as dictated by funded research, and assist with the inventory and procurement of necessary supplies and equipment for research cruises.

Responsibilities

• Collects accurate and efficient data and executes field work following protocols.
• Collects biological samples during field work.
• Collects age, life history and diet information from fish and shellfish collected during field work.
• Ensures that equipment and supplies are cleaned, properly maintained, and stored in an appropriate manner after field work is complete.
• Collects age data from scallop shells collected during field work. This includes cleaning, cataloguing, and entering data into a database.
• Assists with data analysis for various projects.
• Provides input and assists with the preparation of final, progress and industry rep.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline.
• Competencies: Working knowledge of sampling and collections, with the ability to collect scientific information and obtain biological samples.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general laboratory procedures and equipment and analytical techniques with the proven ability to conduct a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
• Basic knowledge of scientific principles and processes, with the ability to learn various protocols especially as they relate to fishery-independent monitoring surveys, including but not limited to catch processing, gear monitoring and hydrographic and atmospheric data collection.
• Knowledge of field based data collection processes, with the ability to identify shellfish and fish to species and record length and wight data.
• Proficiency with a variety of software applications to include MS Office and other software applications.
• Ability to analyze data and demonstrated skills in data entry.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to work as a collaborative team member and effectively interact with a diverse community.
• Ability to work on commercial and/or research vessels for multiple weeks, and successfully at sea, in all weather conditions, while resisting motion sickness.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and pick and shove catch repeatedly over a 16-18 hour work day while at sea.
• Experience: Valid drivers license must be maintained at all times.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Masters degree in marine science or related field.
• Competencies: Knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Georges Bank, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.
• Demonstrated skills with catch processing, gear monitoring and hydrographic and atmospheric data collection.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience working with fishery-independent monitoring surveys.
• Experience as a state or federal observer.Experience with data entry, analysis, presentations and writing publications.

Salary

Salary- $45,000.00

Job Duties

At-Sea Operations- (40%) Participate in at-sea field operations for fishery-independent surveys and other field work in accordance with high scientific standards following prescribed sampling protocols. Other field work will be dependent on funding. Partner with other members of the scientist staff and commercial crew during field work to meet sampling protocol and data collection requirements. Work with Pl and project scientist to ensure that sampling protocols are appropriate and create new ones as needed as situations arise. Serve in the capacity of watch chief during field work. (This includes overseeing and being responsible for accurate and efficient data collection and execution of field work. This also includes working with vessel captains to set cruise tracks, assess proper working course of action, setting scientific crew assignments and leading/participating in sampling processing efforts.)
Pre & post field work operations- (30%) Maintain and organize supplies, equipment and electronics used during field work and at the lab. Ensure equipment is in good working order, that data recording electronics are performing accurately and that supplies are sufficiently stocked. Communicate any equipment or supplies needs or issues. Ensure supplies and equipment are transported to and from vessels docked at different ports along the East Coast. Ensure that equipment and supplies are cleaned, properly maintained and stored in an appropriate manner after field work is complete. Ensure biological samples collected during field work operations are transported, stored and delivered to appropriate organizations or agencies.
Data Collection - (15%) Collect age data from scallop shells collected during field work including cleaning, cataloging and data entry. Collect age, life history and diet information from fish and shellfish. Assist with processing of other biological data collected during field work as needed
Analysis and reporting - (15%) Assist with data analysis for various projects. Assist with the preparation of final, progress and industry reports as well as presentations and peer reviewed manuscripts. Assist with data requests from outside organizations and agencies.

Conditions of Employment

Occasional/frequent work during nights and weekends will be required. Over time work (beyond 40 hours per week) will be occasionally required Work in adverse weather conditions Required to travel Physical lifting requirements essential to the job, etc. This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Additional Job Description

Job Profile: JP0089 - Laboratory & Research Specialist I - Nonexempt - Salary - S06 Qualifications: Compensation Grade: S06 Recruiting Start Date: 2026-09-29 Position Restrictions: Restricted Funds

EEO

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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.

Benefits

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.

• access to on‑campus fitness facilities
• university libraries
• other wellness resources
• Educational assistance
• professional development opportunities
• a robust holiday schedule

Learn more and explore our comprehensive benefits website.