Research Associate, Research Scientist

Position Overview

The WV Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University, a program of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences (CEGAS), seeks a Research Associate to support brownfield redevelopment and environmental assessment projects across West Virginia and the Appalachian region. The candidate will collaborate with technical staff, municipal clients, and community partners to advance brownfield site assessments and promote site reuse, remediation, and community revitalization.

• Provide input and project research assistance on multiple site‑specific brownfield projects with an emphasis on economic development, community vibrancy, and resiliency.
• Contribute to the mission by developing and managing client relationships and research projects for the WV Brownfields Assistance Center and partner organizations.
• Collect and analyze relevant data; conduct research; write, prepare, and edit documents; provide grant‑writing assistance; and present findings to various audiences.
• Participate in business‑development activities, including composing and reviewing proposals, responding to requests for proposals, and preparing informational materials.
• Interact daily with WV Brownfields Assistance Center staff, CEGAS staff, and Appalachian Resiliency Center staff to initiate and advance projects.
• Conduct local and regional outreach, education, research, and related data compilation on brownfields, resiliency, and economic development opportunities.
• Research latest economic‑development and community‑resiliency successes, trends, innovations, and efforts for application across WV and the region.
• Assist with brownfields and related conferences, webinars, and training events.
• Report to the WV Brownfields Assistance Center Director on activities, efforts, and needs on a regular basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or business field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a general science or business field, focusing on environmental assessment/remediation, community‑based economic development, community resiliency, and/or related areas.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).

• Master’s degree in a science or business field.
• More than one year of experience in rural and small community economic development planning, brownfields initiatives, community resiliency initiatives, and/or related fields.
• Experience with geospatial software.
• Experience with economic development in small communities and on brownfield properties.
• Experience with grant writing for federal, state, and/or private funds.

Marshall University, Huntington, WV (MU)

$40,000, commensurate with education, experience and internal equity