Research Specialist I, II, or III - Coastal Water Quality & Phytoplankton Ecology
(Posted 04/04/2025)

Target Audience(s): Technician/Staff


Institution: Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Institutional Web Link: https://www.harteresearch.org/research/coastal-ecosystem-processes

Position Description: Description
The Research Specialist will support grant-funded laboratory and field data collection efforts 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.

Essential job duties include:
• Preparation of materials necessary for water sample collection and processing
• Water quality sample processing
• Analysis of chlorophyll, suspended solids and other water quality samples
• Assist with other laboratory duties as necessary
• Conduct field sampling/research via boats and kayaks
• Collection of water samples
• Operation of water quality sondes
• Curation of water quality sonde data
• QA/QC of water quality sonde data
• Analysis of water quality sonde data

Qualifications
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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis.
• Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement:
o 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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis.

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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis.
• 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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis

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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis.
• 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 with water quality sample collection, processing, and data analysis

All levels
• Demonstrated ability to calibrate and operate water quality sondes
• Demonstrated ability to conduct chlorophyll analysis
• Excellent laboratory hygiene skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work on 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
• Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends as required by research projects
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience with software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and R

Preferred
• Formal coursework or training in either: 1) analytical chemistry, or 2) marine phytoplankton taxonomy.

Salary and Benefits
• Salary range is $46,140-$65,000 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)


Position Type: Permanent Position

Funding Source(s): Other


How to Apply: To apply, please visit: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/details/Research-Specialist-I-III_R-082817

You will need to submit a cover letter describing your qualifications, a CV and a list of three references. Apply by COB on April 24th, 2025. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Mike Wetz at michael.wetz@tamucc.edu.


Application Closing Date: Until position is filled.