Research Technician V - Marine Ecology

Research Technician V - Marine Ecology

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Technician V - Marine Ecology.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
The Research Technician V position will support the recently funded project “Understanding Drivers of Change in Seagrass Ecosystems to Inform Management of Critical Habitats in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.” This collaborative, multi-institutional project — conducted in partnership with the National Park Service — aims to identify and monitor long-term trends in seagrass-dominated ecosystems within the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The study will examine how biodiversity and productivity vary across space and time and will assess the environmental and biological drivers influencing these changes to inform evidence-based management decisions. The Research Technician V will play an integral role in conducting extensive field sampling and laboratory analyses, managing data, maintaining research equipment, and assisting with data interpretation, reporting, and dissemination of results. The initial appointment is for 35.5 months (January 5, 2026 – December 15, 2028), with potential for extension contingent on funding availability.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct field sampling operations across the northcentral Gulf, including the collection of seagrass and nekton data using a variety of sampling gears (e.g., traps, trawls, epibenthic sleds).
  
• Identify and process nekton specimens collected from field samples, ensuring accurate species-level identification.
  
• Perform laboratory analyses on water, seagrass, and benthic core samples, including measurements of biomass and nutrient content.
  
• Maintain and calibrate field and laboratory equipment, ensuring operational readiness and data quality for ongoing projects.
  
• Operate small research vessels safely and effectively in support of field research activities.
  
• Manage and analyze research data, including entry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and statistical analyses using univariate, multivariate, non-parametric, and spatial methods.
  
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, reports, and outreach materials, including summarizing findings for presentations and publications.
  
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and partner institutions, supporting interdisciplinary research and assisting with related projects within the laboratory.
  
• Perform additional field, laboratory, and administrative duties as assigned to support project goals and overall lab operations.

• Demonstrated scientific, analytical, and numerical skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and balance multiple tasks with different deadlines.
  
• Attention to detail.
  
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with all groups of individuals.

Preferred Qualifications
M.S. degree in a related field.
Ability to operate outboard-powered boats.
Experience working in seagrass ecosystems.
Experience working with coastal nekton communities

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.