NRRI is hiring a full-time researcher (professional staff) to work within our Water Research Group (https://nrri.umn.edu/research/research-platforms/applied-ecology-and-resource-management/lakes-streams-wetlands). Individuals with expertise in any of several aquatic disciplines would fit well with our teams, including (but not limited to) expertise in fisheries ecology, stream or wetland ecology, wetland plant ecology, aquatic toxicology, restoration ecology (aquatic focus), hydrology or hydrogeology. The candidate will initially work with the Freshwater Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Lab (https://nrri.umn.edu/research/freshwater-ecosystem-lab) on research projects related to understanding stream, wetland, and Great Lakes nearshore ecology, including effects of aquatic invasive species, use of biotic metrics to assess ecological condition, and assessing the success of restoration activities. As the successful candidate’s own research program develops, they will lead projects and develop an extramurally funded research program of their own related to NRRI’s mission and vision as it applies to aquatic resources.

The Water Research Group has strong ties to a diverse group of aquatic scientists across University of Minnesota campuses; state, tribal, and federal agency scientists; NGO scientists; and natural resource managers across the region.

The successful applicant will have access to unpublished data collected over several decades to support and jump-start their own research. The successful candidate will initially be expected to conduct their research in collaboration with the Water Group and other research teams across the Institute to assist in writing research proposals and manuscripts for publication. They will have the opportunity to participate in the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program (https://www.greatlakeswetlands.org/). The successful candidate will be able to write proposals, run grant-funded research projects, and disseminate research results through journal publications and conference presentations.

The researcher may have the opportunity to supervise graduate and undergraduate students via participation in one or more graduate faculty programs at the University of Minnesota. There may also be opportunities for the researcher to occasionally teach a course or give guest lectures.

Duties:
• 50% Help lead ongoing field and laboratory aquatic ecology research projects.
• 25% Write and submit proposals to extramural funding sources.
• 15% Analyze existing large datasets and write manuscripts.
• 10% Participate in institute, system wide, and external professional activities leading to new relationships, partnerships, and research opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. degree in a field related to fisheries ecology, stream or wetland ecology, aquatic toxicology, restoration ecology (aquatic focus), wetland plant ecology, hydrology or hydrogeology or related area. Minimum of three peer-reviewed journal publications as lead author.
• Minimum of 3 years post-PhD research experience in aquatic ecology.
• Demonstrated experience writing and submitting research proposals.
• Evidence of strong oral communication skills in English (e.g., seminars and conference presentations).
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Solid knowledge of advanced statistical approaches for managing and analyzing large datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze and interpret data and publish results.
• Valid US driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Expertise complements and adds to the Water Research Group expertise mix.
• More than five peer-reviewed publications as lead author.
• Lead PI on at least one extramurally funded research grant.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, organize and lead research projects. Record of scientific achievement as indicated by publication record (peer-reviewed publications and/or technical reports or equivalent relative to industry) and external funding commensurate with time since PhD.
• Experience supervising / mentoring staff or students.
• Evidence of ability to work effectively with state, federal and/or tribal agencies, industries, and/or private organizations to develop collaborations and partnerships to find long-term solutions to aquatic resource challenges.
• Evidence of effective outreach to users of research results (e.g., outreach presentations, workshops, “how-to” materials, etc).

About University of Minnesota Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Duluth