Research Specialist

Job Title

Research Specialist I-III

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Harte Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Research Specialist I, II or III is responsible for reviewing, organizing, and documenting datasets submitted to GRIIDC for long term archival.

Functional Area 1: Research Operations

Percent Effort: 70%

• Review datasets and metadata from a variety of disciplines submitted to the GRIIDC data management system to ensure completeness, file integrity, and determine additional information to complete and describe datasets.
• Ensure submitted data and metadata follow data management best practices and FAIR data principles for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data.
• Document datasets using standard ISO 19115-2 metadata.
• Transform data file formats from proprietary or binary file types to nonproprietary, archive-ready file formats. Organize data into required directory structures.
• Contact data providers to request additional information to complete datasets.
• Review publications generated by data providers to ensure datasets associated with publications meet standards for public availability.

Functional Area 2: Support

Percent Effort: 20%

• Work with GRIIDC team members to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of products and services including supporting the GRIIDC Director and Program Manager with the execution of GRIIDC tasks.
• Participate in GRIIDC biweekly team meetings, data package review meetings, and other meetings, as needed.
• Provide insight and direction on data and metadata standards and data best practices to the Program Manager and Director during meetings and through technical reports.
• Provide input on the development of the GRIIDC data management system software, through participation in software development meetings and testing sessions, as needed.

Functional Area 3: Other

Percent Effort: 10%

• Develop guidance documents for the submission of different types of data to GRIIDC, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Research Specialist I

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
• Four (4) years of related experience.
• Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
• Master's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and two (2) years of related experience OR
• Doctoral degree in related field of study.

Research Specialist II

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
• Six (6) years of related experience.
• Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
• Master's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and four (4) years of related experience OR
• Doctoral degree and two (2) years of related experience

Research Specialist III

• Bachelor's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
• Eight (8) years of related experience.
• Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement.
• Master's degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, or related field of study and six (6) years of related experience OR
• Doctoral degree and four (4) years of related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and programming in MatLab or Python.
• Strong understanding of physical oceanography; oceanographic cruise data and instrumentation; and environmental data
• Experience with shell scripting in Linux and/or Windows. Working knowledge of XML. Ability to hash and checksum data files.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively in a courteous and professional manner with a varied population of customers in person, telephone, or e-mail.

Preferred Qualifications

Research Specialist I/II

• Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science
• Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
• Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
• Experience managing other scientific data types.

Research Specialist III

• Degree in Oceanography or Environmental Science
• Experience on oceanographic research cruises.
• Experience managing physical oceanography or environmental data.
• Experience managing other scientific data types.
• Experience in data curation activities including dataset package review, metadata creation, and file format transformation.

SALARY: Dependent upon education/experience.

Research SpecialistI: Up to $3,836.34 Monthly

• (Up to $46,036.08 Annual, Approximately)

Research SpecialistII: Up to $4,220 Monthly

• (Up to $50,640 Annual, Approximately)

Research Specialist I II: Up to $ 5,461.17 Monthly

• (Up to $65,534.04 Annual, Approximately)

Note: This position will be fully remote.

• Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, Policies, Eligibility Apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance

• Medical
• $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
• Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
• Employee and Spouse
• Employee and Children
• Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits

• Public Loan Forgiveness
• Book scholarships
• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

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.