"Research Assistant I"

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number
S4859P

Home Org Name
Schl Fisheries Aquac Aquat Sci

Division Name
College of Agriculture

Position Title
Research Assistant I

Job Class Code
HA01 A

Appointment Status
Full-time

Limited Term
Yes

Limited Term Length
3 years; continuation contingent upon funding and performance in the position

Job Summary

This position is located in Mobile, Alabama at the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center (AUMERC) with work being done in Mobile Bay, the Mississippi Sound (AL and MS), Little Lagoon, and surrounding watersheds. The Research Assistant will be responsible for assisting the PIs of AUMERC in ongoing grant-funded extension and research projects including but not limited to an investigation of estuarine and nearshore microbial/physicochemical water quality conditions, evaluation of oyster restoration locations and approaches, Oyster Gardening programs located in both Mississippi and Alabama, as well as additional projects related to the study of water and habitat quality within the greater Mobile Bay area. This position will require significant time spent in the field where working conditions can be wet, muddy, hot, and sunny. There will also be regular lab and office work including meetings. The selected candidate should be comfortable in all the above-mentioned settings. Limited overnight travel may be necessary while same-day travel will be routine.

This is a three-year, limited-term appointment funded by extramural sources. Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funds.

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with the extension and research projects listed in the job summary above, with primary responsibility found within nearshore water quality investigations.
• Assist AUMERC staff with the care, maintenance, and calibration of field and lab equipment.
• Collection and analysis of field samples (e.g., water, oysters, and algae).
• Maintain records/databases and files of research.
• Assist with grant reporting
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or as needed.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Marine Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Science, or closely related field.

Minimum Skills and Abilities
Must possess excellent written and oral communication (public engagement) skills, as well as being competent at following protocols/instructions and well organized. The candidate must also be able to work independently, be willing to work in all types of weather conditions, and able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Technology Skills
Must be competent with Microsoft Office programs; additional software training will be provided upon hire.

Minimum License and Certifications

• A valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment is required as well as reliable transportation to work and field sites (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Current Boat/Vessel Operator endorsement required within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Boat driving/docking experience under a variety of conditions, field data collection, multiparameter instrument handling/logging, oyster/water sample collection, open water SCUBA certification, hands-on experience with typical laboratory equipment (e.g., drying ovens, microscopes, and autoclaves).

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range
$35,300 - $49,420

Job Category
Research

City position is located in:
Mobile

State position is located:
Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Must be willing to work in all types of weather conditions and able to lift up to 50 lbs

Posting Date
10/21/2025

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please utilize the attachment feature of our online employment site and attach/upload a cover letter and resume.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter