Research Associate 3, 4, Or 5

Louisiana State UniversityBaton Rouge, LA

Apply with Sonara

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.¹

Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.

We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.

Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Career level

Entry-level

Remote

On-site

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Job Description

All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.

Job Posting Title:

Research Associate 3, 4, or 5

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM ORED - Louisiana Geological Survey (Gregory Brian Upton Jr. (00009417))

Work Location:

3079 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade:

Job Description:

This position supports the Louisiana Geological Survey's research and mapping mission through cartographic production, geographic information systems (GIS) data development, and spatial data analysis. The Research Associate will be responsible for assisting in creating geologic quadrangle maps, developing and maintaining spatial databases, conducting GPS/GNSS field data collection, and coordinating the production of derivative GIS and cartographic products. This position supports federal USGS StateMap program requirements, Louisiana state geological mapping initiatives, and research projects related to energy resources, environmental studies, and geologic hazards. The candidate will combine technical knowledge in GIS technologies with cartographic skills to produce maps and spatial data products.

Job Responsibilities:

Research Associate 3

Help create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Help develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Work to produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)

Work with supervisors to help design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Assist in creating and editing feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)

Conduct field surveys using global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) equipment to collect spatial data for geologic features, infrastructure mapping (pipelines, wells), and ground control points. Process GPS data, perform differential corrections, and integrate field data into GIS databases. Support geologists and other researchers with field mapping technology. (10%)

Help develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Assist in creating online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Help manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)

Provide GIS and cartographic support for research projects including coastal studies, pipeline mapping, geologic hazards assessment, and energy resource investigations. Collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and external partners on spatial data analysis and visualization. Prepare maps and figures for scientific publications and technical reports. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field or a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related experience in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.

Professional experience in GIS data development, cartographic production, and spatial data analysis. Demonstrated proficiency with Esri ArcGIS software suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap). Experience creating maps and managing spatial databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and one year related experience in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.

Experience with geologic mapping and USGS standards; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for cartographic finishing; experience with web mapping platforms (ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Leaflet); knowledge of Louisiana geology and energy industry; experience with pipeline mapping or infrastructure GIS; aerial/drone imagery processing; experience with coordinate systems and projections used in Louisiana; publication record with cartographic products. Field experience with GPS/GNSS data collection equipment. GISP (GIS Professional) certification.

Research Associate 4

Partner with leadership to create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Partner with leadership to develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Work to produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)

Partner with leadership to design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Assist in creating and editing feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)

Partner with leadership to develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Assist in creating online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Help manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field and two years of related experience or a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of related experience in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and more than two years related experience in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.

Research Associate 5

Create geologic quadrangle maps for USGS StateMap programs and Louisiana state mapping initiatives. Develop map layouts, design legends, apply appropriate symbology, and ensure compliance with USGS standards and specifications. Produce derivative maps including surface geology, structure contour maps, and thematic compilations. (35%)

Design, develop, and maintain spatial databases for geologic, geophysical, and energy-related data. Create and edit feature classes, geodatabases, and spatial datasets. Perform spatial analysis, data validation, and quality control. Develop metadata documentation following FGDC and ISO standards. (25%)

Develop and maintain web-based GIS applications and interactive maps for public data dissemination. Create online map services, story maps, and data viewers. Manage LGS website map galleries and digital data repositories. Ensure accessibility and usability of online spatial data resources. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (10%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience OR a master's degree and two years of related experience OR a terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Geography, Geology, Geomatics, GIS, Cartography, or closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D in Geography with GIS emphasis, Geology, Geomatics, Cartography, or closely related field.

Additional Information:

Physical ability and eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, copier, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (5.5+ hours a day) at a time using continuous hand motions while working on the computer system.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policy as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Greg Upton at gupton3@lsu.edu.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

June 22, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 21, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check- An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits- LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.

Apply with Sonara Apply manually

FAQs About Research Associate 3, 4, Or 5 Jobs at Louisiana State University

What is the work location for this position at Louisiana State University?

This job at Louisiana State University is located in Baton Rouge, LA, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Louisiana State University?

Employer has not shared pay details for this role.

What employment applies to this position at Louisiana State University?

Louisiana State University lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at Louisiana State University?

Louisiana State University is looking for a candidate with "Entry-level" experience level.

What benefits are offered by Louisiana State University for this role?

Louisiana State University offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Family/Dependent Health, Paid Holidays, Career Development, 401k Matching/Retirement Savings, Tuition/Education Assistance, and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

What is the process to apply for this position at Louisiana State University?

You can apply for this role at Louisiana State University either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.