Job Details
he Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station is seeking a salaried Academic Wage: Faculty Research Assistant. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term position.
The Faculty Research Assistant position directly supports the mission of the COMES department which focuses on sustainability of marine resources and fisheries and best uses and safety of seafood including marine aquaculture products. The Research Assistant will contribute to the objectives of the USDA - ARS Pacific Shellfish Research Unit and the project “Improving the Sustainability and Productivity of Shellfish Culture in Pacific Estuaries” which includes examining the role of biotic and abiotic stressors in successful culture of oysters and the role of shellfish as habitat for other fish and invertebrates in the estuarine environment.
The research assistant will contribute to projects investigating the physiological and molecular genetic responses of shellfish to abiotic and biotic stressors in the lab and the field using genetic and ‘omics methodologies. The Incumbent is expected to process and analyze data with appropriate statistical tools, assist with conducting laboratory and field experiments including deploying instruments to track environmental conditions in the field, and report research findings.
This position is located in Newport, Oregon and the incumbent will be part of a team working with project investigators at OSU and USDA - ARS.
Key Responsibilities
35% – Plan and execute research with USDA - ARS and OSU collaborators involving experimental or field observation and sampling of oysters exposed to various biotic and abiotic stressors (high temperature, low pH, herpes virus OsHv1), utilizing genetic and ‘omics data to investigate the physiological responses to these environments. Examine changes in the transcriptome and other genomic data over time during field deployments, tracking environmental changes recorded by sondes or other environmental data sources.
30% – Compile research findings; create publications from research and present research findings with project collaborators.
15% – Evaluate factors affecting shellfish survival and growth by planting them and monitoring environmental conditions in estuaries. The employee in this position may be required to lift, carry, push, and pull objects (sondes, nets, cameras, and other collection devices) weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee in this position will also be required to drive OSU and USDA - ARS vehicles to field work locations.
10% – Evaluate, interpret, and analyze data collected from environmental monitoring equipment, and field surveys and experiments using appropriate statistical tools.
5% – Store samples, maintain databases, inventory and store chemicals, service and maintain small boats and field equipment and maintain safe laboratory conditions.
5% – Supervise 1-2 volunteers or other student workers
Requirements
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Sciences, Genetics, Fisheries and Wildlife, Molecular Biology, Marine Sciences or other related field
Experience with molecular biology methods including nucleic acid extractions, PCR and electrophoresis.
Familiarity with the collection, organization, and statistical analysis of data.
Good communication and collaboration skills
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
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.
What We Would Like You To Have
Graduate degree in Aquatic Sciences, Genetics, Fisheries and Wildlife, Molecular Biology, Marine Sciences or other related field.
Prior experience with shellfish aquaculture
Experience culturing marine invertebrates, especially bivalve larvae and adults.
Experience with R, Bioconductor and other bioinformatic and statistical software and methods.
Experience writing scientific documents, such as research reports and papers.
Experience conducting field work.
A commitment in creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace climate in support of the college and department, and convey a sense of belonging, and unbiased learning, training, and work environments.
Contact Information
Oregon State Universityhttps://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/171909
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/171909/pre_apply
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
- A resume/CV; and
- A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Christy Deykes
deykesc@oregonstate.edu
541-867-0230
Post Date: 8/22/2025 9:18:09 AM
Closing Date: 9/5/2025 12:00:00 AM