Research Assistant in Marine Sensing and Technology

This is a casual position for 1 year (possibility for extending an additional year), up to 10-14 hours a week

Research assistant position on a project to increase continuous monitoring in Lake Superior by partnering with industry and using weather, maritime, and environmental data to enhance the safety and security of local populations. The research assistant will participate in all field and laboratory activities including planning, execution, sample and equipment flow.

Job Duties:

• Participate in planning, instrumenting, collecting, processing, and analyzing data from Lake Superior sensors (90%)
  • Analyze data to answer important questions concerning Lake Superior and other Great Lakes
  • Assure the quality control of data and analyses. Creating databases for the secure storage of data. Analyzing data and preparing reports and manuscripts
  • Collaborate with extension personnel to develop data delivery methods appropriate to provide data to communities in ways communities can understand and use
  • Collaborate with the PI on preparing research results for publication
  • Interact with Large Lakes Observatory personnel and industry partners to plan and execute data collections and analyses
    
• Participate in general core MNSG activities (10%).
  • Attend staff and other required meetings
  • Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to all staff
  • Report work activity on a regular basis using program forms, databases, or other formats as requested
    

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS in biology, limnology, marine science, coastal engineering or related field plus at least four years of experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal eight years.

Preferred qualifications:

• PHD in related field
• Demonstrated proficiency in marine technology and continuous monitoring
• Demonstrated ability to work with scientists and industry
• Proficiency in written and oral communication in English
• Proficiency in working with large datasets
• Knowledge of electronics and digital communicationsFamiliarity with global upscaling methods and approaches
• Experience supervising graduate students, undergraduates or junior personnel.
  

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG's extension educators, researchers and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business and industry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems and the services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes the University of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.

The Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) is located on the Duluth Campus of the University of Minnesota and is part of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering. The LLO is the only institute in the country dedicated to the study of large lakes throughout the world. We focus on the global implications of our investigations in the areas of aquatic chemistry, circulation dynamics, geochemistry, acoustic remote sensing, plankton dynamics, sedimentology and paleoclimatology.

Pay Range: $29.33 - $42.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online, go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 372194.

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

Please attach a cover letter, indicating how your experience meets the job required and preferred qualifications, and a resume or curriculum vitae to your application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).