Natural Resources Job Board

The Research Specialist I, II or III fulfilling this position will support a phytoplankton/harmful algal bloom monitoring network consisting of Imaging FlowCytobots (IFCBs) and field sampling programs, all under the auspices of the Coastal Ecosystem Processes Lab group at the Harte Research Institute. The Coastal Ecosystem Processes Lab conducts basic and applied research on coastal phytoplankton ecology, water quality and biogeochemistry. 

 

·       Operate and maintain advanced research instrumentation (Imaging FlowCytobots, IFCBs) in field and laboratory settings.

·       Contribute to the design and construction of deployment infrastructure at different coastal locations, including set up and maintenance of water delivery systems.

·       Perform quality control on and analyze data, and collaborate with project partners on data management infrastructure.

·       Develop and maintain training materials for lab members.

·       Train students and staff on instrument operation.

·       Communicate and collaborate with site partners, stakeholders and researchers on instrument deployment, data acquisition, HAB monitoring and reporting.

·       Perform other duties as assigned and in-line with interests related to water quality field work, laboratory analyses and phytoplankton enumeration.

 

Research Specialist I

·        B.S. in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field

·        Four (4) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs.
·        Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement: Masters degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field, and two (2) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs.

 

Research Specialist II

·        B.S. in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field

·        Six (6) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs. 
·        Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement: Masters degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field, and four (4) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs. Doctoral degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field, and two (2) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs.

Research Specialist III

·        B.S. in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field

·        Eight (8) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs. 
·        Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement: Masters degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field, and six (6) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs. Doctoral degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science or related field, and four (4) years of (related) work experience to include one (1) year of professional experience deploying and maintaining advanced water quality instrumentation including water quality data sondes, flow cytometers or IFCBs.

 

·        Experience conducting water quality and phytoplankton field sampling and laboratory analyses.

·        Strong attention to detail.

·        Ability to work on an interdisciplinary research team.

·        Strong written and spoken communication skills.

·        Ability to conduct research tasks in a variety of weather conditions.

·        Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

·        Ability to lift moderately heavy objects and operate power tools.

·        Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends as required by research projects.

·        Ability to travel as needed for research field sampling. 

·        Ability to drive university vehicles.

·        Valid driver’s license  

 

·       Experience operating and maintaining water supply/delivery systems.
·       Experience with phytoplankton enumeration and taxonomy.
·       Experience operating and maintaining flow cytometers.
·       Experience with data telemetry infrastructure, protocols and troubleshooting.
·       Experience with Linux OS, remote management and access platforms.

·       Salary range is $46,140-$70,619 depending on qualifications and experience.

·       Generous retirement benefits (~1:1 employee: state contribution).

·       Health insurance.

·       Vacation (8 hours/month) and sick time (8 hours/month).

 

To apply, please visit: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/details/Research-Specialist-I-III_R-083795-1

 

You will need to submit a cover letter describing your qualifications, a CV and a list of three references. Application deadline is end of day on May 25th, 2025. The preferred start date is August 1, 2025, or earlier if possible. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Mike Wetz at michael.wetz@tamucc.edu.