What are the responsibilities and job description for the Faculty Research Assistant (Integrative Biology) position at Oregon State University?
Faculty Research Assistant (Integrative Biology)
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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Audrey Vinton
audrey.vinton@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Integrative Biology (SZO)
Position Title
Faculty Research Assistant
Job Title
Faculty Research Assistant (Integrative Biology)
Appointment Type
Academic Faculty
Job Location
Corvallis
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Department of Integrative Biology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.
This position will work in the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) Program with project PI Bruce Menge. The majority of work will be done in assigned lab space at OSU in the Department of Integrative Biology (Corvallis, OR) and at various sites along the Oregon and Northern California coasts. PISCO is a long-term monitoring and research program designed to understand the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem established with the goals of:
This position will work in the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) Program with project PI Bruce Menge. The majority of work will be done in assigned lab space at OSU in the Department of Integrative Biology (Corvallis, OR) and at various sites along the Oregon and Northern California coasts. PISCO is a long-term monitoring and research program designed to understand the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem established with the goals of:
Understanding dynamics of the coastal ocean ecosystem along the U.S. west coast; sharing that knowledge so ocean managers and policy makers can make science‐based decisions regarding coastal and marine stewardship; and producing a new generation of scientists trained in interdisciplinary collaborative approaches.
The Faculty Research Assistant will work with professors, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate volunteers in research on ecosystem dynamics in rocky intertidal communities and the near shore ocean along the West Coast. The primary field research responsibility for this position includes working with colleagues to study rocky intertidal community dynamics and help design, set up, maintain, and terminate experiments at 11 field sites. Outside the field, this position will manage laboratory sample organization and processing, enter and compile datasets, and oversee undergraduate volunteer lab assistants.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
- 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
- 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100 undergraduate degree programs, 80 graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
- 217k alumni worldwide
- For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
- Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
40% – Field Work
30% – Lab Work and Data Analysis
30% – Supervises
What You Will Need
- B.S. or B.A. in Biological Science with an emphasis on Marine Ecology.
- Scientific experience in intertidal and near shore coastal habitats, including proficient knowledge of marine taxonomy.
- Ability to engage new people and direct a large group.
- Ability to convey complex protocols and delegate tasks effectively.
- Demonstrable strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency with Windows, MS Office, and statistical software (e.g. JMP, R).
- Ability to work collaboratively, independently, and as part of an ecological research team.
- Ability to perform strenuous outdoor research in the rocky intertidal, including while carrying a heavy pack.
- Demonstrable strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrable strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrable commitment to inclusive excellence, including efforts that promote equitable outcomes among all types of learners and groups.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, Drone2Map, and experience flying a small drone.
- Proficiency with JMP Statistical Software and R (particularly the Tidyverse package)
- Skilled with power tools and fabrication of field devices such as stainless-steel cages, settlement plates, and instrument housings.
- Supervisory experience in a research environment.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Duties require travel to the coast during periods of low tides and often starting work at or before daybreak for several days in a row. Must be able to work in adverse weather. Must be able to work unconventional hours, other than traditional 8-5. Hours are based on the lunar tide schedule.
Activities will require conducting strenuous field work including hiking along rocky shores, dodging waves, and climbing coastal cliffs carrying heavy field packs. Must be able to lift, carry, push and pull backpacks weighing up to 50 lbs. Must be able to travel for field work in Southern Oregon (~3 day trips each month) and California (~6 day trips one time per year). Working with chemicals.
Pay Method
Salary
Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/178440
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P09811UF
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
04/13/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date
03/23/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date
03/29/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Audrey Vinton
audrey.vinton@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Supplemental Questions