Research Associate 2 - Shellfish Aquaculture

Position: Research Associate 2 - Shellfish Aquaculture.
Position Type: Other Academic.
Department: LSUAM ORED - SG - Grand Isle (Elizabeth Robinson (00003207)).
Work Location: 0122 Sea Grant Building.
Pay Grade: Other Academic.
Posting Date: July 7, 2026.
Contact: Elizabeth Robinson, erobi22@lsu.edu (for status/salary questions); LSU Human Resources Management Office, 225-578-8200 or HR@lsu.edu (for application attachments/technical questions).

CRITICAL NOTE

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 Description

The Research Associate 2 provides technical support for shellfish aquaculture production, applied research, and restoration activities conducted by Louisiana Sea Grant. The RA will conduct work at Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter Aquaculture Research Station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The position performs a variety of complex hatchery, nursery, laboratory, and field procedures with limited supervision and exercises independent judgment in carrying out established research and production protocols.

Primary responsibilities include the production of oysters, ribbed mussels, and algae cultures for research; operation and maintenance of hatchery and setting nursery systems; microalgae culture and feed production; water quality monitoring; biological sampling; data collection and management; equipment maintenance; and support extension and workforce development programs. The incumbent is expected to independently conduct routine production and research activities, perform quality control assessments, maintain accurate records, and assist with implementation of research projects.

Job Responsibilities

• The research associate will be required to support mussel, oysters, and algae production for research facets, including: collecting, maintaining, and cleaning broodstock, supporting activities in larvae rearing (cleaning larval rearing tanks, sorting larvae and performing larval counts, maintaining algal cultures, cleaning and inoculating tanks, operating various laboratory equipment), collecting samples and processing data, accurately determining counts of oyster seed, assisting in oyster farm & cage maintenance, maintaining aquaculture systems, and other basic laboratory skills (75%).
• Occasional travel within Louisiana may be required to support field research, restoration activities, stakeholder engagement, and educational programming (10%).
• Research associate will be involved in reading scientific papers from peer-reviewed journals and manuals from other hatcheries across the United States. RA will help analyze and write articles for publication (10%).
• Other duties as assigned (5%).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Fisheries, Aquaculture Management, animal sciences or related field with 1 year of related experience. Valid driver's license required.

Special Instructions

• Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.
• Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.
• A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.
• Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).
• For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
• For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Elizabeth Robinson at erobi22@lsu.edu.

Additional Position Information

Background Check: An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits: LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.