UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT INTERN

State of Louisiana; Chauvin (LA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, seeks two undergraduate student interns to join the Benthic Ecology Lab. Gain hands-on research experience in freshwater sponge biology and environmental chemistry, focusing on metal pollution in Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems.

Interns will work up to 20 hours per week (174 total hours by Dec 11, 2026) with field and laboratory activities at LUMCON and partner labs, in a collaborative marine

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana accredited college.
• No experience required.
• Comfortable working in and around water.
• Strong organizational and data-entry skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Visit project sites to collect water, sediment, and sponge samples.
• Transport samples among LUMCON, the University of New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Community College.
• Assist with processing samples in the laboratory and ensure data quality.
• Enter and organize research data; participate in meetings.

Skills

Field work

Laboratory skills

Data entry

Detail oriented

Reliable transportation

Education

Undergraduate student status

Tools

Basic computer applications

Valid driver’s license

Job description

About This Job

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, is seeking two highly motivated Undergraduate Student Interns to join the Benthic Ecology Lab, led by Dr. Stephanie Archer. These positions offer an opportunity to gain hands‑on research experience in freshwater sponge biology and environmental chemistry while contributing to research focused on metal pollution in Louisiana’s coastal ecosystems.

As Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the state and the Gulf region. Located at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities for field‑based research, scientific collaboration, and public engagement in one of the nation’s most dynamic coastal environments.

The Undergraduate Student Interns will contribute to a study assessing whether freshwater sponges can serve as effective indicators of metal pollution within the Barataria‑Terrebonne National Estuary (BTNEP). Responsibilities will include field work throughout the BTNE area, as well as laboratory research at LUMCON and in collaborator laboratories at the University of New Orleans and Baton Rouge Community College.

These positions are available for up to 20 hours per week, with a total of 174 hours available to be completed by December 11, 2026. This opportunity provides undergraduate students with valuable hands‑on experience in field and laboratory research while working in a collaborative marine science environment.

About The Organization

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of Regents, serves as Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation. Through its statewide consortium of universities and partners, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address the environmental, economic, and societal challenges facing Louisiana, the Gulf region, and the nation.

LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities in coastal, marine, and oceanographic science and education for researchers, students, policymakers, and the public. Anchored by the state‑of‑the‑art DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON is strategically situated within Louisiana’s dynamic coastal wetlands and provides direct access to the Gulf, enabling world‑class research and field‑based learning experiences.

The consortium operates a nationally recognized fleet of research vessels, offering capabilities unmatched along the U.S. Gulf Coast and supporting a broad range of scientific investigations, monitoring programs, and educational initiatives. Through these resources, LUMCON strengthens Louisiana’s leadership in marine science, coastal resilience, environmental stewardship, and workforce development.

LUMCON continues to expand its research, education, and outreach capacity through significant investments in infrastructure and maritime operations. In 2023, the consortium opened Blue Works, a maritime research and outreach facility located on the Maritime Campus in Houma. In 2025, a major boat slip and bulkhead project was completed on the campus, further enhancing marine operations capabilities. Additional growth includes the development of a new Marine Operations Center and the construction of the state’s next flagship research vessel, the 125‑foot R/V Pelican II, both scheduled for completion in 2027.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana‑accredited college or university and interested in gaining hands‑on research experience.
• Comfortable working in and around water and participating in field and laboratory activities.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and comfortable using computers for data entry, recordkeeping, and research support.
• Reliable, with a valid driver’s license and transportation, and able to safely transport research samples between locations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana accredited college.

Experience

• No experience required.

Technical Competencies

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at a Louisiana‑based institution.
• Comfortable working in and around water.
• Competent with computers and basic computer applications.
• Reliable transportation to and from work sites.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for scientific research.

Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.

Job Duties

Sample Collection & Transportation

• Visit project study sites to collect water, sediment, and sponge samples.
• Transports research samples between LUMCON, the University of New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Community College.

Laboratory Processing & Quality Assurance

• Assist with processing research samples in the laboratory.
• Support quality assurance activities to help ensure the accuracy and reliability of research data.

Data Management & Research Support

• Assist with data entry, organization, and recordkeeping.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to ongoing research discussions.

POSITION‑SPECIFIC DETAILS

Appointment Type: This position is an unclassified appointment and may be filled through external recruitment or promotion of a current employee.

Worksite Location: Cocodrie, Louisiana.

Work Schedule: Flexible hours as dictated by project needs and the students class schedule.

Security Requirements: Annual safety training is required for all state employees. Access to driving records is required for employees operating state‑owned vehicles or state‑contracted rental vehicles. A background check is required.

Physical Demands: The physical requirements of this position may include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, travel, and extended computer use necessary to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors in a wide variety of settings or in a scientific laboratory. Occasional office work may be required.

Travel Requirements: Travel will include local and statewide travel to support project goals.

Benefits Information

• The Louisiana Board of Regents, as part of Louisiana state government, offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals committed to advancing public higher education and making a meaningful impact through public service.
• With positions supporting institutions and initiatives across the state, employment with the Board of Regents provides a unique opportunity to contribute to Louisiana’s academic, workforce, and research priorities.
• As a Regents employee, you will receive competitive compensation, access to a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Health & Life: Full‑time employees are eligible for group health and life insurance coverage through the Office of Group Benefits.
• Retirement: Full‑time employees are required to contribute 8% of their base pay to a Louisiana retirement system. The retirement system provides retirement allowances and other benefits for state officers and employees and their beneficiaries. Regents’ employees have the option of joining the Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). ORP is also available to some part‑time positions.
• Accrued Leave: Unclassified state employees earn sick and annual leave in accordance with Executive Order Number JML 24-122, Rules on Leave for The Unclassified Service.

Contact Information

Kim Langlois

Employee Relations Specialist

[e-mail]