Job Information
Oregon State University Faculty Research Assistant: OSU Marine and Geology Repository Assistant Curator in Corvallis, Oregon
Position Details
Position Information
Department Earth, Ocean & Atmo Sci (OAS)
Position Title Faculty Research Assistant
Job Title Faculty Research Assistant: OSU Marine and Geology Repository Assistant Curator
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant: Marine and Geology Repository Assistant Curator position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean.
Appointment at the Faculty Research Assistant rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position facilitates the mission of the OSU Marine and Geology Repository ( OSU - MGR ) by assisting the curators with processing, describing, and sampling of OSU - MGR collections.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
•Top 1.4% university in the world
•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•217k+ alumni worldwide
•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about
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 acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) 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.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! (https://bestplace4workingparents.com/policies/)
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
Processing/Archiving (20%)
Rocks: Weigh, cut, and image new collections of dredge and dive rocks with student workers.
Cores: Split and image cores with student workers.
Archive any associated digital data on repository server.
Troubleshoot and maintain saws and splitting equipment
Sampling (20%)
Rocks: Collect samples for requests using tile saw.
Cores: Collect samples for requests using a variety of sampling tools as needed.
Document and enter sampling information into database for all requests.
Package and ship requested samples.
Instrumentation (30%)
Help fulfill analytical requests by scanning cores on instruments (Itrax XRF , Geotek MSCL , and/or other lab equipment)
Prepare instrumentation for scanning of repository and other geology materials.
Train users on instrument use and safety
Assist with data QAQC , both data obtained within our laboratories and those otherwise associated with our core and rock collections
Contribute to data analysis and interpretation
Assist with data archiving
Descriptions (10%)
Rocks: Describe hand samples and thin sections.
Cores: Describe sediments visually and with smear slides.
Archive digital descriptions on repository server and ensure visibility on website.
Facility support (20%)
Pull and rack samples from storage.
Drive forklift and stock picker.
Move pallets of samples using pallet jacks, dollies, and carts.
Transport cores to OSU Vet Med occasionally for CT analysis using an OSU vehicle for large projects; occasionally using personal vehicle for small projects.
Process CT data using Python tools
Purchase supplies as needed.
Occasionally participate in outreach events and/or help manage social media accounts
Engage in open and respectful communication with research collaborators.
What You Will Need
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science or related field.
Experience describing geological samples.
Completed coursework in Petrology and Sedimentology.
Demonstrated organizational skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Excel.
Experience working effectively with diverse groups of students, researchers, and staff.
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.
What We Would Like You to Have
Master’s Degree in Geology or related field.
Experience working with geologic data and/or databases.
Experience with Python, Matlab, or R.
Experience working with repositories, sediment cores and/or marine rocks.
Experience using microscopes and/or thin sections for data analysis.
Prior involvement in research or academic support environments.
Experience working with saws.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
In-person work daily
Normal business hours
The ability to push/pull/carry up to 40 pounds is required
Work requires walking, standing, bending and stooping for extended periods, often in refrigerated spaces and/or at height
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/179053
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09851UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/07/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/20/2026
Full Consideration Date 05/10/2026
Closing Date 05/15/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by May 10, 2026.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
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.
Letters of Reference are required for this position. When applying, you will be asked to provide the email address and telephone number for 3 referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf.
For additional information please contact: Joe Stoner at Joe.Stoner@oregonstate.edu or 407-496-5515.
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 ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/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 atemployee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/179326
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.