Research Assistant - Oceanographic

Position Details

Position Information


Recruitment/Posting Title
Research Assistant - Oceanographic


Posting Number
26TM0233


Department
Marine & Coastal Sciences


Overview


Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary


Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Research Assistant for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences - Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences. The Research Assistant will support scientific operations, laboratory preparation, instrumentation, sample processing, expedition logistics, and post-expedition data and sample organization associated with a Rutgers-led oceanographic research expedition aboard the R/V Falkor (too). This expedition, supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, will investigate ocean mixing processes known as "salt fingers" and their role in nutrient transport, phytoplankton metabolism, and ocean productivity. This position is expected to run for approximately five weeks, from July 27, 2026 through August 31, 2026.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Supports both shipboard and shore-based scientific operations before, during, and after the expedition.
• Assists with laboratory and equipment preparation prior to departure.
• Supports oceanographic sampling, seawater collection, incubation experiments, and phytoplankton metabolism studies at sea.
• Processes and organizes scientific samples and data.
• Maintains research logs and inventories.
• Assists with post-cruise laboratory organization, sample management, and data coordination activities following the expedition.

FLSA
Nonexempt


Salary Details
$25 per hour


Offer Information


The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits


Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time


Working Hours
40 hours per week


Daily Work Shift
Day


Work Arrangement


This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft


Terms of Appointment
Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Science or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented shipboard research environment.
• Ability to follow scientific and safety protocols.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible and extended hours during field operations.
• Ability to work in close living and working quarters aboard a research vessel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Previous laboratory, field, research, or shipboard experience.
  • Oceanographic sampling methods.
  • CTD or rosette sampling systems.
  • Water filtration and sample processing.
  • Zooplankton and/or phytoplankton sampling and processing methods.
  • Zooplankton experimental approaches.
  • Experimental approaches to measure biogeochemical rates.
  • Scientific data entry and organization.
  • MATLAB or related scientific software.

Equipment Utilized

• CTD and Rosette Sampling Systems.
• Zooplankton nets.
• Other oceanographic Sampling Equipment (e.g., Fluorometer, Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation fluorometer, Imaging Flow Cytobot).
• Water filtration equipment.
• Scientific data collection software.
• Python, MATLAB or related software (preferred).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to work aboard a research vessel for extended periods in variable ocean conditions.
• Ability to lift and move scientific equipment and sample containers with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work extended and irregular hours during active field operations.
• Ability to live and work cooperatively in close quarters aboard a research vessel for the duration of the expedition.

Special Conditions

• Ability to obtain any required laboratory and vessel safety training for participation aboard the vessel.
• Ability to obtain any required medical clearance for participation aboard the vessel.
• Must possess a valid and unexpired passport for international travel.

Posting Details


Posting Open Date
06/01/2026


Posting Close Date
06/12/2026


Open Until Filled
No


Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus
Rutgers University-New Brunswick


Home Location Campus
Cook (RU-New Brunswick)


City
New Brunswick


State
NJ


Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement


It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: