Research Technician III, Temporary - Marine Ecology
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Research Technician III, Temporary - Marine Ecology.
Location
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564
United States
Division
Coastal Sciences
Employment Status
Full Time
Salary Range
15.82 - 18.61
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
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
We seek a Research Technician to begin employment June 1, 2026 at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS. The selected applicant will be co-supervised by Dr. Zachary Darnell and Dr. Kelly Darnell. The primary duties of the Research Technician are to support ongoing laboratory- and field-based projects focused on invertebrate behavior, coastal ecology, and seagrass biology in the Gulf of Mexico. Duties will include a combination of field work, laboratory sample processing, administrative tasks, and data analysis. Additional information on ongoing research projects can be found at https://www.thecraboratory.org and http://www.darnellseagrassecologylab.com. The term of the position is 3 months (June 1, 2026–August 31, 2026).
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
-
Assists with field operations across the northcentral Gulf of Mexico. This will include sampling for blue crabs and other nekton species using a variety of sampling gears (traps, trawls, etc.) and in-water seagrass surveys for species composition, condition, and reproductive output.
-
Conducts mesocosm experiments in both recirculating and flow-through seawater systems, including experiments quantifying blue crab growth rates and lifetime reproductive output under changing thermal regimes.
-
Assists with laboratory data acquisition including seagrass and sediment sample processing and video behavioral analyses.
-
Performs data entry and QA/QC in support of multiple projects.
-
Assists with manuscript preparation and outreach efforts.
-
Assists with other ongoing field and laboratory projects, and other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, ecology, biology, or a related field -OR- 2 years of research experience (can include research conducted during B.S. degree coursework).
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
-
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 a diverse group of individuals.
-
Experience in working on small vessels.
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. degree in a related field.
Experience using R statistical software.
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.
