Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, LA
posted about 2 months ago
Full-time - Entry Level
Baton Rouge, LA
1,001-5,000 employees
Educational Services
About the position
The Research Associate position at Louisiana State University involves assisting with research related to USDA grants focused on the dieback of Phragmites australis in the Mississippi River Delta. The role is crucial for understanding and addressing plant decline and restoration opportunities, contributing to the ecological stability of marsh habitats in Louisiana. The position requires outdoor work and offers opportunities for field research, data analysis, and supervision of undergraduate assistants.
Responsibilities
- Perform surveys of coastal marsh plants and collect soil samples for chemical analysis, requiring occasional overnight trips to field sites.
- Propagate coastal marsh plants, maintain insects in culture, and perform experiments in a greenhouse and common garden.
- Process and prepare soil and plant tissue samples for microbial analysis and chemical analyses.
- Data entry and manipulation using Excel, including purchasing of supplies.
- Supervise undergraduate research assistants.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Biology or related degree.
- Coursework in ecology, conservation biology, botany, or related fields.
- Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience in piloting small watercraft in shallow-water marsh habitats (for Research Associate 2 and 3).
- Ability to work outdoors during hot Louisiana summers.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience operating drones and processing drone imagery.
- Knowledge of Louisiana coastal marsh plants.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Dental insurance
- 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
