Laboratory Researcher I

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Oct 16, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Laboratory Researcher I
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	SEBS-Dept Marine & Coastal Science
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Laboratory Researcher I for the Department of Marine and Coastal Science within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Laboratory Researcher I will independently and collaboratively manage the Schofield Lab within the Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership ( RUCOOL), housed in the Department of Marine & Coastal Sciences ( DMCS) at the School of Environmental & Biological Sciences ( SEBS). The Laboratory Researcher I is responsible for overseeing laboratory personnel, as well as the procurement, operation, and maintenance of highly specialized oceanographic equipment. The role involves conducting complex, high-level research using innovative methodologies and advanced techniques, directly contributing to the lab's scientific mission. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Documents research activities. Oversees instrumentation, procedures, and databases. Prepares detailed reports for sponsors and stakeholders. Resolves complex, multidisciplinary challenges with a creative, solutions-oriented approach. Manages daily laboratory operations. Provides leadership in training and mentoring graduate assistants, undergraduate students, research analysts, and seasonal field staff to foster a collaborative, learning-driven environment. Oversees multiple high-visibility research projects while ensuring adherence to timelines, deliverables, and sponsor requirements. Ensures the reliability of research outcomes. Strengthens the contributions of RUCOOL, DMCS, and SEBS in advancing ocean observing science at regional, national, and international scales.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	07
Salary Details	$94,492-103,941
Minimum Salary	94492.000
Mid Range Salary	119604.000
Maximum Salary	144715.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours	37.5 hours/ week
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in Biological Oceanography, Geosciences or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in Biological Oceanography, Geosciences or a related field and 3 years of relevant experience. A minimum of 10 years of professional research experience with oceanographic instrumentation, including autonomous gliders.
Certifications/Licenses	A valid driver's license would be required for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Demonstrated expertise in oceanographic instrumentation, including deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Proven ability in data analysis, visualization, and use of data technologies to support scientific research. Experience at sea on oceanographic research cruises and in remote field locations for extended periods of time. Strong problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary research teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's degree in Biological Oceanography or Geosciences with at least 10 years of professional experience in a research environment. Programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R) for data processing, visualization, and modeling. Direct experience in preparation, maintenance, piloting, and deployment of Slocum underwater gliders. Broad experience with oceanographic instrumentation, including repair, calibration, and integration with data infrastructures. Research experience in one or more of the following areas: phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy, bio-optics, physical-biological coupling, and polar ecosystems. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with students, faculty, and industry partners to advance scientific and research objectives. Strong computer literacy. Understanding of emerging trends in ocean observing systems and their application to unit objectives.
Equipment Utilized	Field Equipment: CTD sensors (Seabird, RBR), Rosette/Niskin bottle casts for water collection, and associated water sampling for phytoplankton pigments, phytoplankton, nutrients, and carbonate chemistry. Optical profiling instruments including LISST, radiometers, and AC-9. Autonomous Platforms: Slocum gliders and associated payloads (CTD, Optode, Ecopuck, ADCP, AZFP, pH sensor, Microrider, LISST). Operation of Slocum Fleet Mission Control and terminal software. Laboratory Equipment: Fluorometer, FIRe fluorometers, spectrophotometer, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Imaging FlowCytobot, QFT-ICAM, Hydrolight, Chemtax. Software and Programming: MATLAB and other scientific programming languages required for data analysis, visualization, and modeling.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Ability to work at sea for extended periods, including 12-hour deployment days aboard research vessels. Ability to conduct research onboard oceanographic vessels and in remote field camps for periods ranging from weeks to months. Work involves physically demanding activities such as lifting and deploying scientific equipment, standing for extended periods, and working in variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
Special Conditions	This position flexibility to work nights, weekends, and irregular hours in support of field operations and research schedules. Clean Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST2210
Posting Open Date	10/16/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement