Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Geochemical & Environmental Research Group

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Here’s a Glimpse of the Job

Texas A&M’s Geochemical & Environmental Research Group is looking for a Research Associate to assist senior scientists in the scientific and technical activities of the Ocean Observing Division within GERG. This position supports operations related to the readiness and maintenance of the autonomous ocean vehicle laboratory and participates in at‑sea deployment and recovery operations.

Opportunities to Contribute

• Provides operational and logistical support for GERG ocean research projects, including participation in field activities involving observing platforms such as autonomous ocean vehicles, ocean gliders, and high‑frequency radar systems.

• Participates in ocean glider operations, including mission planning, vessel coordination, deployment and recovery, and active piloting activities.

• Supports preparation, calibration, testing, refurbishment, and readiness of oceanographic and field equipment, working closely with senior scientists in the GERG glider and high‑frequency radar laboratories.

• Assembles, installs, operates, maintains, and repairs ocean research and laboratory equipment, ensuring equipment functionality before, during, and after field operations.

• Manages laboratory inventory and supplies, including maintaining and updating the ocean glider lab inventory and identifying, recommending, ordering, and receiving equipment and consumables.

• Applies standard research techniques and maintains detailed records, documenting laboratory and field activities in support of ongoing research projects.

• Assists senior scientists with planning and coordination of research activities, including preparation of funding proposals and project reporting requirements.

• Performs data processing and preliminary analysis of oceanographic datasets, including real‑time, delayed‑mode, and archived glider data, troubleshooting, evaluating data quality, and conducting basic QA/QC and metadata preparation.

• Engages in outreach and training activities, including networking with offshore industry partners and collaborators, supporting facility tours, and providing technical assistance to graduate and undergraduate interns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years of related experience in specialized and relevant field of research.

• Ability to push, pull, lift, or move heavy objects with or with assistance.

A well-qualified candidate for this position will also possess:

• Advanced knowledge of scientific principles, the scientific method, and environmental science.

• Knowledge of both use and operation of ocean observing systems (autonomous vehicles, high-frequency radar, buoys/moorings) and the basic scientific sensors they carry (acoustic or mechanical velocity, temperature, conductivity, pressure, and GPS).

• Proficient in advanced programming languages such as MATLAB;

• Familiar with oceanographic data processing methods, graphical representation, statistical analysis, and time series analysis techniques and methodologies.

• Strong organizational skills (in the context of organizing digital information).

• Ability to prioritize work assignments and respond to firm deadlines.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent course work in Oceanography or Ocean Technology.

• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with venders, coworkers, and supervisory staff.

• Working knowledge of Mac and Windows computer operating software.

• Valid US Driver’s license.

• Valid US passport.

• Ability to work outdoors exposed to various weather conditions, potential allergens, elevated noise levels, and heat.

• Ability to move heavy objects with assistance.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

• Ability to participate in long days for field work.

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

Please note: This position is grant funded; future employment may be contingent upon future funding.

What you need to do

Apply! Submitting a cover letter, CV/Resume to assist us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume. 

Why Texas A&M University? 

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.   

The Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG) is a center of excellence in applied geosciences within the College of Geosciences of Texas A&M University. GERG, founded in 1981, focuses on applied interdisciplinary research in the ocean and environmental sciences. As part of GERG's mission in education, graduate and undergraduate students are encouraged to interact with GERG's scientists and staff in their study and research. Students at GERG are mentored and advised in their study and research in many areas by the staff and scientists at GERG. 

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.  

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month 

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time 

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more  

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee 

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees 

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered, or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.