Research Associate Specialist

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Job Posting Title: Research Associate Specialist Position Type: Other Academic Department: LSUAG PL2 - SRNR - Renewable Natural Resources (Garrett Hopper (00082044)) Work Location: 0120 Renewable Natural Resources Building Pay Grade: Other Academic Job Description: (This is a grant-funded, non-tenure track position through 09/07/2027. Funding must be available for any continuation of appointment.) Work Location: School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Position Description: The Fish and Mussel Ecology Lab based at LSU AgCenter is seeking a Research Associate to assist with diverse field and lab work as part of a research program focused on invasive species ecology, physiology, and ecosystem functions. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (BA, BS) in biology, natural resource ecology management or related field and lab and field experience working with freshwater invertebrates, preferably freshwater mussels. The ideal candidate will be experienced in working in the field, driving and trailering boats, collecting field (plant, soils, bivalve) data, and sampling freshwater mussels or with aquaculture systems and aquatic animal husbandry. The successful candidate will be involved in several on-going projects involving the assessment of mussel assemblages, physiological responses to invasive species interactions, population performance, river ecosystem functioning, and be expected to help maintain lab and field equipment and vehicles. The position involves supporting and working with graduate students, as well as state, federal and non-governmental organization collaborators. Travel to field sites, including overnight stays, and occasional weekend work may be required. Qualification Requirements: Applicant must hold a BS or BA in biological sciences, natural resource ecology and management, or a related field. Applicant must possess experience in some, or preferably all, of the following (1) experience working in the field, driving boats, and collecting field and laboratory data; (2) ability to work extended days outside during hot and cold days; (3) ability to work independently, create work plans, meet deadlines and collaborate; (4) experience and knowledge of freshwater mussel ecology. LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (La RS 42:36). Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. Date Available: Upon completion of interview process. Application Deadline: September 10, 2026, or until suitable candidate is selected. Application Procedure: Apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vitae, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to: Dr. Garrett Hopper School of Renewable Natural Resources LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge, LA 70803-6202 Tel.: (225) 578-0771; Fax: (225) 578-4144; Email: ghopper@agcenter.lsu.edu Website: www.lsuagcenter.com The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Additional Job Description: Competencies: None Special Instructions: Skills Needed: Preferred Skills: Posting Date: August 27, 2026 Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): Additional Position Information: Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment. Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement. Essential Position (Y/N): About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com. The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. LSU includes institutions, facilities and programs in each of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and its campuses stretch the length of the state from New Orleans to Shreveport. Each institution plays a vital role in preparing students to incorporate new knowledge and technologies into their daily lives. LSU researchers across Louisiana are working on developing a wide-range of innovations to improve quality of life by studying issues such as disease management, advance medical treatments, obesity, coastal protection, hurricane preparedness, energy, natural resource management and agriculture, among others. Louisiana’s Flagship University is a land-, sea- and space-grant institution with academic programs in all areas of science, engineering, humanities, arts and social sciences. The University comprises of nine institutions: Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College (“LSU”), the premier flagship university for the state, which include the Paul M. Hebert Law Center and the School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University at Alexandria Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana State University at Shreveport LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans LSU Health Science Center – Shreveport The Health Care Services Division Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Pennington Biomedical Research Center Any other college, university, school, institution, or program now or hereafter under the supervision and management of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College In implementing its mission, LSU is committed to: Offering a broad array of undergraduate degree programs and extensive graduate research opportunities designed to attract and educate highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students; Employing faculty who are excellent teacher-scholars, nationally competitive in research and creative activities, and who contribute to a world-class knowledge base that is transferable to educational, professional, cultural, and economic enterprises; and Using its extensive resources to solve economic, environmental, and social challenges.