This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean.

This Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) supports the research portion of the University mission as a member of the Oregon State University (OSU) Marine Rock and Sediment Sampling group (MARSSAM; directed by Kevin Konrad, Nicklas Pisias, Chris Goldfinger, and Mitch Lyle) in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS). This position serves a critical role of providing expertise related to all aspects of gathering of sediment core and dredge rock samples for National Science Foundation supported principal investigators aboard University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) vessels, the proper collection of which is the basis for scientific research in marine geology and geophysics.

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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.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Provide expert advice to scientific parties to collect the best possible sediment core or rock dredge samples required for paleoceanographic and marine geology research. Interpret sub bottom profiler data to identify probable sediment composition in the context of required core sediment samples, advise chief scientist on suitable coring/dredging targets, and lead shipboard operations for the recovery of useful core and rock samples. Determine appropriate equipment needed to recover the sediments and rocks. Examine seismic data with the chief scientist and other coring technicians, determining appropriate lengths to rig the coring devices. Provide training and instructions for scientific party to accurately describe and archive core samples. Analyze the physical properties of the sediments. Contribute to and/or co- author peer-reviewed publishable work and presentations, including preparing reports on sediment core positions, types of sediment, core length, and analyzed data.

30% – Shipboard Management:
Independently manage and coordinate ship’s personnel and members of the scientific party to properly rig and deploy coring and dredging instruments and equipment. Oversee safe deployment and recovery of all over-the-side equipment. Instruct the scientific party and ship’s personnel on safe coring and dredging practices. Ensure that core and rock samples are taken safely and that accurate data about coring and dredging parameters are properly collected and recorded, including core sample position, water depth of the sample area and acquisition of seafloor images. Maintain a safe shipboard operation without loss of sediment cores or rocks.

30% – Pre- and Post-Cruise Responsibilities:
Assemble equipment and supplies for the cruise; assist in arranging for shipments to and from the ports of call; and complete a written report on all coring/dredging operations and core/rock recovery for the final cruise report of the expedition. Improve and develop coring and dredging systems and oceanographic equipment to continue to provide the UNOLS oceanographic research vessel fleet with cutting edge marine sampling systems. Occasionally drive personal and/or University-owned vehicles to purchase small consumables and locally transport equipment.

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 Policy 05-030.

Work environment will be split between working at CEOAS MARSSAM facilities on the OSU campus, and working on research vessels at sea. Safety procedures are common to all research ships and are required to be followed as explained by the Captain and crew of each ship at the start of and during each voyage. The ability to work at sea from various research ships for up to 120 days per year is required – as such the incumbent must not be incapacitated by sea sickness. This position requires international travel, frequently to remote locations with limited amenities. The FRA will also be required to work on deck/outdoors for extended periods (for up to 12 hours per day, seven days per week regardless of holidays while at sea) and to occasionally lift loads of up to 80 pounds.

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.

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:

Kevin Konrad

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.