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Job Title

Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

Sea Grant Administration And Program

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

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.

Who We Are

The Texas Sea Grant College Program is dedicated to the understanding, wise use and stewardship of the state’s coastal and marine resources. It is part of a network of 33 university-based programs in coastal and Great Lakes states that operate as a partnership between the state governments and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Texas Sea Grant is located at Texas A&M University and is part of the College of Geosciences. Texas Sea Grant focuses on three primary, interconnected activities: research, outreach and education. To learn more about us, please visit our website http://texasseagrant.org/.

What We Want This position is a Research Associate I position in Sustainable Fisheries for a currently funded cooperative agreement with NOAA to study bycatch in the Gulf shrimp fishery. The candidate is expected to work semi-independently and will collaborate with other team members on this funded project. The Research Associate I will perform research work on project research activities, collecting real measurements by sampling bycatch onboard shrimp vessels to evaluate the efficiency of new bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) at reducing finfish catch in shrimp trawls, and write reports. Primary research objectives associated with the project will be to reduce finfish bycatch in commercial shrimp trawl operations. The Research Associate I will also assist with regular dockside gear evaluations of current and new BRDs at shrimp docks throughout the Gulf of Mexico and support shrimp industry outreach and engagement, including recruitment and training, for the project.

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

+ Bachelor's or equivalent in training and experience

+ 2 years' related experience in marine science or similar field.

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

+ Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ At-sea observer experience preferred. Knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico Commercial Shrimp Fishery preferred.

+ Responsibilities

+ Data Collection- Collects samples and measurement data from experiments on shrimp trawl research trips following the sample protocol established for the project and utilizing project sample collection forms designed to document target species (shrimp) and bycatch species (primarily finfish) typically encountered during shrimp trawl operations. Implements and maintains data collection system and database and summarization of field trial activities. Extracts, collects and compiles data and metadata as requested for project needs.

+ Outreach- Engage with shrimp industry participants to inform shrimpers of the project and recruit participants in research activities. Train shrimpers on proper used of existing and new BRDs during dockside gear evaluations.

+ Research Coordination- Coordinate research trips with participating commercial vessels. Arrange for gear, travel, equipment for testing trips.

+ Reporting- Completing research trip reports including vessel and gear data, sea state, GPS and time of each sample tow, and all sample data (species, weight, length as defined by the project sampling guide. Completing dockside engagement and BRD inspection responds for outreach activities with the shrimp fishery.

Physical Requirements:

+ Ability to lift and/or move moderately heavy items.

+ Ability to bend, stoop, and climb to board vessels at dock and at sea to evaluate fishing gear and take catch samples.

Other Requirements and Factors:

+ Overnight and weekend travel as necessary. Multi-day research trips at sea as necessary.

Why Texas A&M University?

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.

+ Health (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/medical/) , dental (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/dental/) , vision (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/vision-insurance/) , life and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/life-add/) with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

+ 12-15 days (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/index.html) of annual paid holidays

+ Up to eight hours of paid sick leave (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/sick.html)  and at least  eight hours of paid vacation each (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/vacation.html) month

+ Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

+ Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time (https://flourish.tamu.edu/wellness-release-time/)

+ Professional Development: All employees have access to free  LinkedIn Learning (https://linkedinlearning.tamu.edu/)  training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

+ Employee Tuition Assistance (https://livingwell.tamu.edu/employee-tuition-assistance/) and Educational Release time (https://employees.tamu.edu/employee-relations/leave/paid/educational.html) for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

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 pre-populate 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.