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Oceanography Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Assistant Research Scientist

College Station, TX · On-site

Job Title Assistant Research Scientist Agency Texas A&M University Department Oceanography Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type Staff Glimpse of the Job ...

Fgcu

Postdoctoral Researcher

Campus, IL

PhD Research Assistant - Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL * Research will focus on ... The home department will be either the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science or the ...

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Oceanography Research Assistant information

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How much do oceanography research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for oceanography research assistant in the United States is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oceanography research assistant do?

An Oceanography Research Assistant supports scientists in studying the ocean's physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects. Their duties often include collecting and analyzing water, sediment, or biological samples, operating scientific equipment both in the lab and at sea, and managing data entry and processing. They may also assist in preparing research reports, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring samples are stored correctly. This role is essential for advancing oceanographic research and supporting larger scientific projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oceanography research assistant?

To thrive as an Oceanography Research Assistant, a solid background in marine science, data collection, and laboratory techniques—often backed by a bachelor's degree in oceanography or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with analytical software (such as MATLAB or R), oceanographic instruments, and GIS mapping tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills help individuals excel in research environments and during fieldwork. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate data collection, meaningful analysis, and successful collaboration on complex marine research projects.

What are some common challenges faced by oceanography research assistants in fieldwork settings?

Oceanography Research Assistants often encounter challenging fieldwork conditions, such as unpredictable weather, rough seas, and extended periods aboard research vessels. These environments require adaptability, strong teamwork, and the ability to follow safety protocols closely. Additionally, assistants may need to operate and troubleshoot specialized equipment and handle long or irregular hours during data collection. Building resilience and effective communication skills are key to thriving in these dynamic and sometimes demanding settings.

What is the difference between Oceanography Research Assistant vs Marine Science Technician?

AspectOceanography Research AssistantMarine Science Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in oceanography, marine science, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in marine science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field expeditions, oceanographic vesselsMarine facilities, laboratories, field sites
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutionsMarine research centers, environmental agencies, aquariums

Oceanography Research Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and work in research-focused environments, assisting with data collection and analysis. Marine Science Technicians often have similar educational backgrounds but may focus more on technical support and equipment maintenance. Both roles are vital in marine research but differ slightly in responsibilities and work settings.

What cities are hiring for Oceanography Research Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Oceanography Research Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Oceanography Research jobs?

The most popular types of Oceanography Research jobs are:

What states have the most Oceanography Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Oceanography Research Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Oceanography Research Assistant jobs?

For Oceanography Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Oceanography Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,200 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Coastal Oceanography Research Faculty (Assistant/Associate Professor)

Austin, TX • On-site

University of Texas at Austin
Education • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Texas at Austinexternal

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Posted 25 days ago

University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

TheUniversity of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) seeks to hire multiple research faculty at the Research Assistant or Research Associate Professor rank in the broadly defined field of Coastal Science, including the interconnectedfields of Physical Oceanography and Weather and Climate Extremes. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to: beach processes, estuarine dynamics, ice-ocean interactions, ocean circulation, paleoceanography, paleotempestology, permafrost degradation, sea level change, and tropical cyclones))

We seek colleagues to add to our existing strengths in field-based, observational, and computational geoscience. Successful candidates will contribute to the vibrant research community at UTIG through engagement with colleagues within and beyond the Institute, and through the development of a vigorous, internationally recognized, and externally funded research program that complements UTIG’s research foci. Research Assistant and Research Associate Professors at UTIG typically receive six months of institutional salary support annually, with the rest obtained from externally-funded research projects; institutional support typically increases to up to eight months for research faculty upon establishing a record of leadership of large projects or programs, as is expected for promotion to Research Professor.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted online by November 20, 2026. For additional information about the application process, please contact Rosalind Gamble (rgamble@ig.utexas.edu ). For additional information about the position, please contact the search committee chair: Chris Lowery (cmlowery@utexas.edu ).

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with nontraditional research backgrounds and those whose experiences can contribute to a broad range of perspectives in higher education and research. We encourage late stage PhD students, postdocs, and early career scientists to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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