Towson University · 4 days ago
Research Assistant
Towson, MD
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$18.22/hr - $18.22/hrTowson University is a distinguished public university located north of Baltimore, seeking a Research Assistant for a 1-year position in its Biological Sciences Department. The role involves independent and collaborative research in applied coastal ecology and conservation physiology, including field and lab work, data management, and project coordination.
EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Seasonal field work in tidal marsh ecosystems. Overnight travel to eastern shore of Maryland field sites expected for majority of June and July with potential for additional trips in other months
Maintenance and deployment of water level and conductivity data loggers, field calibrations and data downloads
Field surveys of tidal salt marsh vegetation
Collection of soil, water, and vegetation samples
Supervision of field crew including undergraduate students
Coordination and planning support for field campaigns including managing scheduling of tasks, personnel, and other logistics around tides, weather, and variable travel distances
Animal collections from field sites and transportation to Towson University labs
Standard processing of vegetation biomass and soil samples
Soil pre-processing and particle size analysis using Beckman-Coulter laser diffraction particle size analyzer
Supervise undergraduate students, provide support to graduate students
Assist with animal care and husbandry in the lab
Monitor standard lab supplies and assist with ordering and general lab management (cleaning, access, instrument-use)
Manual data entry, quality control, and basic statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel and R programming language
Management of aerial imagery files, field photos, data logger exports, and other data streams
Depending on background and experience, GIS analysis of aerial imagery using ArcGIS including classifications, spatial statistical analysis
Assistance with task and deliverable tracking, coordinating with external project partners
Qualification
Required
B.S. or B.A. in relevant field (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, Forestry, or similar) received prior to start-date, or received no later than 90 days after start date
Field research experience (independent research as an undergraduate, REU, CURE, or similar will be considered)
Experience with data management and analysis
Detail-oriented, excellent organizational skills
Strong leadership and communication skills, ability to supervise and lead in the field and in the lab
Ability to mentor and/or supervise undergraduate students, field crews, and/or lab research students/assistants
The candidate needs to be able to work long field days in difficult environmental conditions (temperatures over 90 degrees, biting insects, uneven terrain and soft mud, occasional trips possible all seasons during cold weather as well)
Research Assistant must be able to carry up to 50 pounds while walking across field sites; must be able to walk 5+ miles in a day of field work
Candidate must have their own vehicle and be able to travel to the eastern shore of Maryland for multiple weeks at a time. Research Assistant will stay in shared housing at field sites for at least 75% of May-August
The Kraskura Lab works mostly on vertebrate animals. The Candidate will be required to complete Animal Care training modules and comply with all Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines
Preferred
Experience with data management
Experience using R programming language for statistical analysis and data visualization
Experience with field work in wetland, coastal, and/or aquatic ecosystems
Experience with GIS or other spatial data analysis
Benefits
Subsidized health benefits coverage
Company
Towson University
Towson University is a post secondary educational institution offering undergraduate and graduate studies.
Founded in 1866
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Towson University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (24)
2024 (28)
2023 (15)
2022 (16)
2021 (17)
2020 (9)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$1.01MKey Investors
GRAMMY Museum
2022-06-28Grant· $0.01M
2017-06-14Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Patrick McQuown
Executive Director - Entrepreneurship and Founder of The StarTUp
Recent News
2025-10-03
Maryland Daily Record
2025-09-27
2025-09-15
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