Faculty Research Assistant: Marine Mammal Institute-GEMM Lab

Department:
Marine Mammal Institute. Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. I am seeking a Faculty Research Assistant to work in my research lab (The GEMM Lab) within the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University based in Newport, Oregon (https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab). This position will support multiple aspects of research activities, field operations, and lab management.

• Operate small boat (e.g., RHIB, Zodiac) around cetaceans for ecological data collection
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on research vessel, truck, and trailer, and coordinates specialized maintenance and repairs as needed
• Conduct marine mammal survey observations aboard US Coast Guard helicopters and mid-size and large research vessels
• Oversight of equipment (cameras, drones, sensors, etc.) maintenance, storage, organization
• Data management and sample storage/archiving
• Process and organize photo-s

• A bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences with 2 years’ significant research experience
• Experience as a marine mammal observer
• Extensive experience as a small boat driver around cetaceans
• Experience in ecological data collection, including cetacean photo-, behavioral observations, prey sampling, drone operations, suction-cup tagging, biopsy
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear, honest communication skills
• Ability to work on collaborative projects with a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to work independently and creatively within a team environment and maintain a constructive and positive research culture
• This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030
• A Master’s degree in the natural sciences
• Experience using Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, and/or Matlab
• Experience using R programming for data wrangling, organization, and visualization and statistical analysis
• Record of scientific publication as lead or co-author
• Experience conducting photo- of cetaceans
• Demonstrated success of working on several concurrent projects and adapting to shifting priorities and deadlines

This position must be able to work regularly in outdoor environments, including on boats in marine environments. Incumbent must be able to lift heavy objects >30lbs. Occasional travel and driving for remote fieldwork is expected. Incumbent must have ability and willingness to work occasional long days in the field when the weather is right, which may include weekends and holidays.

Hourly or salaried part‑time (0.60 FTE), 12‑month fixed‑term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Anticipated

Start Date:

Anticipated End Date:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee…