Research Assistant

About this job

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Research Technician to join the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab led by Dr. Havalend Steinmuller. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to research examining mangrove encroachment and ecosystem change in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.

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 Research Technician will support field and laboratory research activities, including coordinating field sampling, processing and analyzing environmental samples, maintaining scientific instrumentation, and assisting with laboratory operations. The position reports directly to Dr. Steinmuller and will oversee undergraduate laboratory assistants and volunteers.

In addition to research responsibilities, the technician will participate in outreach and education initiatives associated with the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab and LUMCON.

LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, serves as Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation. Through a statewide consortium of universities and partners, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address environmental, economic, and societal challenges facing Louisiana, the Gulf region, and the nation. Anchored by the state‑of‑the‑art DeFelice Marine Center and a nationally recognized fleet of research vessels, LUMCON provides world‑class research and field‑based learning experiences.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, operating and maintaining scientific instruments such as gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience conducting field‑based research activities, including the collection and processing of soil cores.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management, with experience using R or similar statistical software.
• Completion of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education Course or a comparable boating safety certification.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biogeochemistry, Coastal/Marine science, Microbial Ecology, Oceanography, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience

This is an entry‑level position; no prior experience is required.

Technical competencies

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and participate in extended field work within the hot, humid climate of south Louisiana.
• Comfortable working outdoors in and around water.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• The skills and certifications necessary to operate and trailer LUMCON small vessels (or the willingness to quickly obtain these skills).
• Familiarity with data management.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

• Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably with the following instrumentation: gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and/or total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience in a field setting, preferably with collecting soil cores.
• Experience with statistical computing, preferably R.
• Completion of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education course or an applicable alternate course.

• Coordinate and complete soil and sediment sampling activities in coastal and wetland environments.
• Assist with field‑based research operations, including site preparation and data/sample collection.
• Operate small research vessels in support of field sampling efforts.
• Occasionally perform duties associated with sample collection from aboard LUMCON’s research vessels.

• Collect, process, and assist with the analysis of plant,…