Academic Wage-Salaried: Faculty Research Assistant (Pacific Shellfish Research)
Oregon State University
Posted on Aug 22, 2025
Position Information
| Department | COMES - Newport Exp Sta (ASF) |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Academic Wage Appt - Salaried |
| Job Title | Academic Wage-Salaried: Faculty Research Assistant (Pacific Shellfish Research) |
| Appointment Type | Academic Wage |
| Job Location | Newport |
| Benefits Eligible | Full-Time, benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Job Summary | The 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. |
| Why OSU? | Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. • Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. |
| 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 as needed which may include planning, assigning, and approving work. |
| 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. |
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | May be required to lift, carry, push, and pull objects (sondes, nets, cameras, and other collection devices) weighing up to 50 pounds. Possible work travelling/boating to oyster farms during inclement weather conditions during field studies. Training to be provided to employee in order to be well versed in proper use of laboratory chemicals, e.g. fume hood provided. |
| Pay Method | Salary |
| Pay Period | 1st through the last day of the month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Recommended Full-Time Salary Range | Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience |
| Link to Position Description |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P09375UF |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 09/01/2025 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | 06/30/2026 |
| Posting Date | 08/21/2025 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 09/05/2025 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants |
| Special Instructions to Applicants | When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) 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: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. |