RESEARCH ASSISTANT

About This Job

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), is seeking a highly motivated and organized Research Technician to join the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab led by Dr. Havalend Steinmuller. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to research examining mangrove encroachment and ecosystem change in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. As Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address critical environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the state and the Gulf region. Located at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, scientific collaboration, and public engagement in one of the nation’s most dynamic coastal environments.

• Supports field and laboratory research activities, including coordinating field sampling, processing and analyzing environmental samples, maintaining scientific instrumentation, and assisting with laboratory operations.
• Serves as a liaison between the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab and undergraduate laboratory assistants and volunteers.
• Participates in outreach and education initiatives associated with the Coastal Biogeochemistry Lab and LUMCON.

About The Organization

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Board of Regents, serves as Louisiana’s premier center for marine and coastal research, education, and scientific innovation. Through its statewide consortium of universities and partners, LUMCON advances foundational marine science to address the environmental, economic, and societal challenges facing Louisiana, the Gulf region, and the nation. LUMCON provides unparalleled opportunities in coastal, marine, and oceanographic science and education for researchers, students, policymakers, and the public. Anchored by the state-of-the-art DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, LUMCON is strategically situated within Louisiana’s dynamic coastal wetlands and provides direct access to the Gulf, enabling world-class research and field-based learning experiences. The consortium operates a nationally recognized fleet of research vessels, offering capabilities unmatched along the U.S. Gulf Coast and supporting a broad range of scientific investigations, monitoring programs, and educational initiatives. Through these resources, LUMCON strengthens Louisiana’s leadership in marine science, coastal resilience, environmental stewardship, and workforce development. LUMCON continues to expand its research, education, and outreach capacity through significant investments in infrastructure and maritime operations. In 2023, the consortium opened Blue Works, a maritime research and outreach facility located on the Maritime Campus in Houma. In 2025, a major boat slip and bulkhead project was completed on the campus, further enhancing marine operations capabilities. Additional growth includes the development of a new Marine Operations Center and the construction of the state’s next flagship research vessel, the 125-foot R/V Pelican II, both scheduled for completion in 2027.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, with preferred familiarity operating and maintaining scientific instruments such as gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience conducting field-based research activities, preferably including the collection and processing of soil cores.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data management, with experience using R or similar statistical software preferred.
• Completion of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education Course or a comparable boating safety certification preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biogeochemistry, Coastal/Marine science, Microbial Ecology, Oceanography, Chemistry, or a related field.

Technical Competencies

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and participate in extended field work within the hot, humid climate of south Louisiana.
• Comfortable working outdoors in and around water.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• The skills and certifications necessary to operate and trailer LUMCON small vessels (https://lumcon.edu/small-boats/) – or the willingness to quickly obtain these skills.
• Familiarity with data management.
• Organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory setting, preferably with the following instrumentation: gas chromatographs, elemental analyzers, spectrophotometers, and/or total organic carbon analyzers.
• Experience in a field setting, preferably with collecting soil cores.
• Experience with statistical computing, preferably R.
• Completion of a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Boater Education course or an applicable alternate course.