Research Assistant - Finfish

Research Assistant - Finfish

Salary

$18.91 - $21.00 Hourly

Location

Oceanic Institute

Job Type

Staff - Regular Full Time Non-Exempt

Job Number

02779

Department

OI-Finfish

Opening Date

10/05/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Hawai'i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the 'okina and kahako. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding.

Description

Job Summary:

The selected candidate will assist primarily with the daily tasks of rearing marine animals. These tasks may include (but are not limited to) routine feeding, cleaning tanks, and providing high-level care to fish and invertebrate populations. Research Assistants will also assist senior staff in maintaining inventory of supplies and procuring supplies and equipment. Research Assistants are expected to have competency and familiarity with all Research Technician responsibilities and will oversee Research Technicians. Research Assistants will also participate in, and supervise, data collection, record keeping, and other relevant research tasks, working largely under the supervision of more senior staff. Work activities take place largely outdoors and may also involve prolonged exposure to sun and/or inclement weather.

Location: This is a full-time, on-site, nonexempt staff position; located at the Oceanic Institute in Waimanalo.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in aquaculture, marine science, biology, or related discipline.
• One (1) year of experience working with aquatic (preferably marine) organisms or M.S. degree in aquaculture, marine science, biology or related discipline.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Willing and able to work (1) adjusted work week (Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday) and flexibility to cover open shifts, (2) occasional night shifts (1 per month on average), (3) overtime on short-notice, (4) holidays, and (5) during campus closures (e.g. hurricane or tsunami threats), as well be able to respond to after-hour emergencies.
• Willing to travel (domestic and international) to support research projects. Valid passport or ability to acquire passport.
• Upon hire, candidate must have reliable personal transportation to facilitate travel between to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position. This includes a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle that is legally registered and insured.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in aquaculture setting or experience with maintaining or culturing aquatic animals.
• Experience working in a biosecure environment.
• Demonstrated experience living/working in a multicultural environment like Hawaii (e.g.travel or study abroad experience).
• Experience working with larval fish and production of live feeds (Rotifers & Artemia).
• Experience with microscopes and familiar with image analyses.
• Experience with PVC plumbing and aquatic systems maintenance.

Other Qualifications:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, good record keeping, and ability to work in team environment while handling multiple tasks.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance is not available for this position.
• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU's winter break, if necessary.
• This position may be considered an essential position with report to work obligations depending on the type of emergency, campus closure, or evacuation.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Animal Rearing (65%)

• Feeding and daily care of fish and invertebrates, including measurement of water quality parameters.
• Culturing live feeds.
• Maintaining and cleaning tanks, equipment, and other facilities/assets.
• Collecting animal and system performance data. Data entry.
• Assist with large departmental tasks, such as tagging, stocking/harvesting, and packing/shipping of marine animals.

2. Leadership (20%)

• Leading research or technical task.
• Serve as a lead and assist in the performance appraisal process of junior staff (e.g. Research Technicians and department/ program volunteer).

3. Administrative (10%)

• Ordering or assisting with the ordering of feeds and supplies using University provided purchase credit card (to include: responsible for purchase card, reconciling charges for business use only, and safe keeping of card and PIN)

4. Performs other related duties as assigned (5%)

• Assisting in off-campus projects, including domestic and international travel.
• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
• Assists with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact hr@hpu.edu to request assistance.

Hawaii Pacific University is a learning community where staff, faculty, and more than 5,000 students come together from around the world to learn and work in a spirit of caring, honesty, freedom, and ohana (family).

Cooperation, communication, and collegiality are the foundation of our community. We fulfill the responsibilities of our educational mission through mutual trust and respect, innovation and involvement, expertise, and intellectual fellowship. We offer all members of our community the opportunity to excel, including resources and rewards commensurate with individual contributions and potential. As a team, we are committed to serving our local and global communities and embrace our values of aloha, pono, and kuleana.

We seek talented and energetic people who thrive on challenge and innovation in supporting the mission and values of our university. HPU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

For student employment, please visit Career Development Center.

Why consider a career with HPU? Here are some of the benefits of employment . . .

Time Off A generous schedule that recognizes 15 holidays annually, plus winter break days off between Christmas and New Years. Eligible employees also receive vacation, sick and other types of paid leave.

Tuition Waiver Full time employees and spouse/dependent children pursuing a higher education degree at HPU may apply for a tuition waiver.

Health and Wellness Comprehensive health insurance, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program and wellness program.

Retirement Plan Eligible employees can start saving for the future and enroll in the Hawaii Pacific University 403(b) retirement plan upon hire.

Discounts Discounts for products and services including airlines, rental car, hotels, theme parks, attractions, gift cards, restaurants, and more.

01

Do you have a B.S. or B.A. degree in aquaculture, marine science, biology, or a related discipline?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working with aquatic (preferably marine) organisms, or a masters degree (M.S.) in aquaculture, marine science, biology, or a related discipline?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing and able to work a flexible schedule that may include adjusted work weeks, occasional night shifts, overtime on short notice, holidays, campus closures, and after-hours emergency response?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you willing to travel domestically and internationally to support research projects, and do you have a valid passport or the ability to obtain one?

• Yes
• No

06

Upon hire, will you have reliable personal transportation, including a valid drivers license and a legally registered and insured personal vehicle, to travel between HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Hawaii Pacific University

Address Waterfront Plaza

500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 4-545

Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813

Phone 8085441188

Website http://www.hpu.edu/jobs