NRRI Aquatic Ecologist (Assistant Research Scientist/Researcher 3)

About the Job

NRRI Aquatic Ecologist (Assistant research scientist / Researcher 3) - 8353EN - $57,699.20 - $68,814.72

The NRRI Lake and Stream Ecology Laboratory is hiring an Aquatic Ecologist who has experience designing and leading sampling campaigns on diverse aquatic ecosystems, managing field instrumentation and sensor networks, and managing data quality for diverse environmental data streams. This position will be responsible for leading field operations, including field safety, project oversight, and staff supervision and training. This position will work closely with our Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Manager to oversee the daily operations of the Central Analytical Laboratory (CAL). The NRRI CAL is a state-certified water quality laboratory specializing in low-level detection of water quality parameters in the Laurentian Great Lakes and nutrient-poor lakes and streams in the Upper Midwest. The lab provides analytical laboratory and field research support services to Institute and University scientists; other University collaborators; local, state, federal, and tribal agencies; and private businesses and commercial laboratories. The position will assist with research projects studying interacting stressors of climate and land use change on lake and stream health and biogeochemical cycling; drivers of cyanobacteria bloom formation and toxicity in lakes; and ecosystem structure and functioning in the Laurentian Great Lakes and inland aquatic ecosystems.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 5/25/2026

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

In-person work environment.

Job Duties:

• Field operations & logistics (30%): This position will lead field operations and logistics, including designing and coordinating field sampling campaigns, deploying and maintaining field instrumentation and sensor networks, maintaining field equipment, training lab personnel and collaborators in field procedures, and leading field safety planning and training for lab personnel.
• Sample collection & field observations (20%): This position will perform environmental field work and collection of environmental samples and data from diverse aquatic ecosystems (e.g., streams, lakes, wetlands, Laurentian Great Lakes), including developing detailed sampling standard operating procedures (SOPs), developing field data sheets and detailed chain-of-custodies, managing field data and high-frequency sensor data, troubleshooting equipment in the field, coordinating sample delivery to proper laboratories, and assisting with sample processing.
• Project oversight & administration (20%): This position will assist with project oversight and administration, including developing proposals and contracts, tracking and coordinating project deliverables, developing project budgets, invoicing funders, and securing sampling permits.
• Project reporting & data deliverables (15%): This position will assist with statistical analysis and data visualization, project report completion, scientific manuscript development, and presentation of findings at regional and international conferences.
• Water quality analyses (15%): This position will process water chemistry samples according to state-certified standard operating procedures, including following strict standard operating procedures and quality assurance protocols, troubleshooting analytical chemistry performance issues, tracking quality assurance metrics to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, and scheduling analyses to ensure holding times are met.

Physical/Environmental Demands:     

• Lab procedures may call for use of hazardous chemicals, successful applicants must understand basic PPE requirements for acids, bases, and flammable liquids. Some procedures require work with biohazard materials and require additional safety training.
• Field work: sometimes hiking in rough/remote terrain and/or adverse weather conditions, lifting up to 40 lbs., carrying up to 25 lbs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 4 years related work experience or combination of education and work experience to equal 8 years.
• Demonstrated experience in collection and analysis of water samples.
• Demonstrated computer skills, including data entry, spreadsheet management, and report writing.
• Demonstrated experience communicating and working closely with team members in lab and field settings.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance from supervisor / principal investigator.
• Valid Driver's License and able to pass a required background check and motor vehicle moving violations check (no moving violations in the past 2 years)

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS in Water Resources Science, Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field and 2 years related work experience to equal 8 years.
• Demonstrated experience collecting water samples and recording observational data from diverse aquatic ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience processing and analyzing water quality samples for nutrients, minerals, chlorophyll, color, pH, and suspended solids.
• Demonstrated experience using and maintaining aquatic field instrumentation and sensor networks.
• Demonstrated experience leading field sampling campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience training and supervising research personnel.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical analyses and data visualization.

About the Department

About NRRI:

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

Applied Ecology and Resource Management

Minerals and Metallurgy

Materials and Bioeconomy

Data Collection and Delivery

Commercialization Services

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $57,699.20 - $68,814.72 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. 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.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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 Reports "Americas 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 UMDs 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).