Assistant Research Scientist

Purpose

The Assistant Research Scientist will contribute to ongoing research with the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Ecology Group at the Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. This position focuses on habitat restoration, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the use of hatchery-reared oysters to enhance coastal habitats. The Assistant Research Scientist will collaborate closely with a genetics-focused lab led by Dr.

Chris Hollenbeck, integrating ecological performance and genetic data to better understand oyster origin, survival, and recruitment in restoration settings. The position offers opportunities for leadership in field and lab research, publishing, mentoring, and direct engagement with project partners and funders.

Percent Effort: 60%

• Develop and implement project plans and schedules.
• Contribute to experimental design and study development.
• Lead fieldwork, including oyster and faunal monitoring and collection.
• Analyze datasets, including collected and external data.
• Coordinate with genetics co-PI and team to align sampling, data integration, and interpretation.
• Give presentations, write, and publish manuscripts in peer‑reviewed journals.

Percent Effort: 20%

• Support mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Provide guidance on research design, analysis, and scientific writing.
• Collaborate with project partners, including academic, agency, and NGO groups.
• Interact directly with funders and contribute to reporting and communication.

Percent Effort: 20%

• Coordinate logistics for field sampling and laboratory work.
• Ensure safety protocols and data management standards are met.
• Contribute to proposal development and future project planning.
• Assist with other laboratory and field activities as needed.
• Operate University vehicles.

• Ph.D. in marine ecology, biology, restoration ecology, or related field.
• Experience with project management.
• Proficiency in field assessments, data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing.
• Experience leading manuscripts and demonstrated record of publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

• Scientific diving certification.
• Experience in oyster reef restoration or shellfish ecology.
• Familiarity with genetics applications in restoration ecology.
• Strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience operating small motorboats.

SALARY: $4,.34- $5, Monthly ($55,- $60, Annual, Approximately)

• Medical coverage: $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution. Up to 83% of premium is covered by the university for Employee and Spouse, Employee and Children, or Employee and Family coverage.
• Dental & Vision coverage.
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, and Day Care Spending Account.
• Work Life Solutions:
  Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources.
• Tuition Benefits:
  Public Loan Forgiveness, Book scholarships, and tuition coverage up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
• Retirement options:
  Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), and Voluntary Tax‑Deferred Account / Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off each month, 8 hours of sick leave each month, 8 hours of paid time off for birthday leave, and 12-15 paid holidays each year.
• Other benefits as per university policies and eligibility.