(This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position for one year. Continuation will be dependent on funding, job performance, and continued need for the appointment.)

Work Location: School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Position Description: A multi-investigator team based at LSU AgCenter is seeking a Research Associate to assist with diverse field, and lab work as part of a research program focused on estuarine habitats, submerged aquatic vegetation dynamics, oyster physiology, aquaculture and restoration. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in biology, natural resources, oceanography, or related field and lab experience working with field work, remote sensing, and GIS. The ideal candidate will be experienced in working with and interpreting remote sensed data and developing spatial maps, field data collection, maintaining lab equipment and experiments, and laboratory experience. The successful candidate will be expected to help support lab GIS needs, maintain lab and field equipment and vehicles, sample, conduct greenhouse experiments, clean and maintain oyster populations at grow-out sites, and conduct field sampling. The position involves supporting and working with faculty, graduate students, as well as state, federal and non-governmental organization collaborators. Frequent travel (monthly) around coastal Gulf of Mexico sites is expected. Travel to field sites, including overnight stays, and occasional weekend work may be required.

Qualification Requirements: Applicant must hold a BS/BA degree. Applicant must possess experience in some, or preferably all, of the following (1) experience working with spreadsheets, GIS, Google Earth Engine, (2) experience working in the field, collecting field and laboratory data; (3) ability to work extended days, including some weekends, outside during hot and cold days and carry heavy loads; (4) experience working in a laboratory, maintaining water quality in tanks, and running assays, and (5) the ability to work independently, create work plans, and meet deadlines.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options, including retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: July 26, 2023 or until suitable candidate is located.

Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application expressing interest, goals, and suitability for the position, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Megan La Peyre
124A Renewable Natural Resources Building
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6202
Tel.: (225) 578-4180
Fax: (225) 578-4144
E-mail: mlapeyre@agcenter.lsu.edu
Web site: AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.