Ocean Career: Virginia Institute of Marine Advanced Research Specialist

Research Specialist, Advanced

The importance of advisory services at VIMS equals that of research and graduate education. While all 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.

The Marine Advisory Program (MAP) has an exciting opportunity for a Research Specialist, Advanced position to serve as an integral member of the Fisheries Research group. The Research Specialist Advanced role is responsible for advanced to expert level duties in a laboratory, field setting and office setting. This position will engage in complex scientific procedures to support a research program, reporting to a program manager, principal investigator, or project director.

The incumbent will deliver scientific services and may assume additional supervisory and administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading work in the application and execution of lab techniques, field surveys or research procedures;
• Writing or modifying computer programs to analyze data and generate reports;
• Reviewing literature related to projects/procedures;
• Conducting experiments;
• Writing segments of proposals, reports and manuscripts;
• Contributing to the coordination of grant by tracking budget expenditures;
• Assisting lower-level staff and troubleshooting instrument problems; and
• Performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly experienced in laboratory, field, and research discipline, most often obtained through experience and demonstrated competencies as a Research Specialist.
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct a variety of research techniques and procedures, operate laboratory equipment, and collect and report basic findings.
• Ability to independently carry out structured research projects and provide assistance in developing research procedures.
• Ability to independently carry out defined procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to operate a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Ability to communicate data and research findings.
• Knowledge of contract budget maintenance.

Preferred qualifications:

• Working knowledge of small vessels/boats, or ability to obtain small vessel certification, when applicable.
• Ability to develop experimental design and research procedures.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of lab and field instrumentation.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and teach basic research processes, safety, techniques, and methodology to lower-level employees.
• Ability to oversee and direct basic research operations including laboratory and field duties of lower-level employees.
• Knowledge of computer programming software (such as automating and analysis – R, Matlab, Python, SAS, GIS, webpage, etc.
• Ability to present data and training to other research groups and external contacts.
• Knowledge of the research proposal process.
• Technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of basic budget expenditures and financial reporting.

Conditions of employment:

• This is a restricted position, subject to the continuation of funding.
• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy.
• This position is subject to overtime, weekend, and holiday work as needed. For the most part, these needs are restricted to times when sea scallop field surveys are in operation, and field work being conducted.
• A valid Driver's license must be maintained throughout employment.
• Ability to successfully pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise. Remain current at-sea safety and survival techniques.
• Ability to work on a commercial fishing boat for multiple weeks, and successfully perform all responsibilities while at sea, in all weather conditions, while resisting motion sickness.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and pick and shove catch repeatedly over 16 to 18-hour work…