Marine Field Research Assistant

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Marine Field Research Assistant Department Marine & Coastal Sciences Salary Details A minimum total compensation of $3,200 for the temporary appointment period, based on the short-term and project-specific nature of the expedition support activities. 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

Posting Summary

The Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences seeks to hire two temporary Marine Field Research Assistants to support a Rutgers-led oceanographic research expedition in the Caribbean aboard the R/V Falkor (too) from August 9, 2026, through September 2, 2026, as well as related pre- and post-expedition scientific preparation, logistics, and demobilization activities.

This 25-day expedition, supported by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, will investigate ocean mixing processes known as "salt fingers" and their role in nutrient transport and ocean productivity.

Under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Gradone and Dr. Corday Selden, and in collaboration with an international research team, the Marine Field Research Assistants will support shipboard and field-based scientific operations, including oceanographic sampling, equipment preparation, sample processing, data collection, and general expedition support aboard the research vessel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with deployment and recovery of oceanographic instruments, including CTDs, rosette systems, and zooplankton nets.
• Assist with seawater collection, sample processing, filtration, labeling, and organization of scientific samples.
• Assist with conducting incubation experiments and related sample collection.
• Assist with running underway instrumentation.
• Maintain scientific logs, records, and electronic data files associated with shipboard operations.
• Assist with preparation, setup, cleaning, troubleshooting, and packing of laboratory and scientific equipment before, during, and after the expedition.
• Support daily shipboard scientific operations in collaboration with faculty, researchers, crew, and marine technicians.
• Assist with basic scientific data entry and organization.
• Work extended and irregular hours as needed during active sampling and field operations.

A minimum total compensation of $3,200 for the temporary appointment period, based on the short-term and project-specific nature of the expedition support activities.

Position Status Part Time Posting Number 26FA0493 Posting Open Date 05/19/2026 Posting Close Date 05/29/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Enrollment in or completion of a bachelor's degree program in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, biology, geology, or a related scientific field.
• Previous laboratory, field, or research experience preferred but not required.

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

• 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

• Work aboard a research vessel for extended periods in variable ocean conditions.
• Lift and move scientific equipment and sample containers with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work extended and irregular hours during active field operations.
• Live and work cooperatively in close quarters aboard a research vessel for the duration of the expedition.
• Obtain any required laboratory and vessel safety training for participation aboard the vessel
• Obtain any required medical clearance for participation aboard the vessel.
• Possess a valid and unexpired passport for international travel.

Overview Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/275065 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details

Primary work location will include shipboard research activities aboard the R/V Falkor (too) in the Caribbean Sea, with additional pre- and post-expedition activities conducted at the Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences, 71 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

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: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application