Research Scientist in Marine Sensing and High Frequency Monitoring

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by October 16th. Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Duties:

Lead Lake Superior research, monitoring, and data analysis (50%)

• Develop research questions and analytical approaches using sensing and monitoring data to improve understanding of Lake Superior dynamics.
• Coordinate and participate in the deployment of an expanding network of sensor buoys in Lake Superior.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control for data collection, entry, analysis and metadata.
• Collaborate with extension personnel to provide data to communities so they can understand and use the data in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with colleagues to prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Collaborate with Large Lakes Observatory personnel and other scientific partners to plan and conduct data collection and analyses.
• Supervise undergraduate interns and other project personnel as assigned.

Provide project and technical coordination (40%)

• Coordinate implementation of the sensing and monitoring project among Minnesota Sea Grant, aacademic collaborators, and industry partners.
• Lead technical coordination including deployment planning, sensor integration, equipment procurement, troubleshooting, and monitoring workflows.
• Coordinate environmental data management and integration, including data transfer, storage, metadata, and development of long-term data workflows.
• Track project activities, timelines, technical needs, and deliverables and communicate progress to the PI, project team, and partners.

• Coordinate with Minnesota Sea Grant extension staff to connect project research with education, outreach and workforce development activities.

Participate in general core MNSG activities (10%)

• Attend staff and other required meetings.
• Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activities viewable to all staff.
• Report work activity on a regular basis using program forms, databases, or other formats as requested.
• Help write, edit, design, review, and/or produce documents critical to Sea Grant such as strategic plans, grant proposals, and progress reports.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and mandatory training as required by MNSG and the University of Minnesota.
• Serve on MNSG, Great Lakes Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, National Sea Grant, and other committees as requested. Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.
  OR
• Advanced degree with one or more years of research training.
• Must be a US citizen.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in limnology, marine science, coastal engineering or a related field.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity, as evidenced by scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals or other scholarly products.
• Experience with marine or freshwater sensor technologies, continuous monitoring systems, electronics, digital communications, and/or integration of sensors with IoT technologies.
• Experience managing and analyzing large, high-frequency datasets, including time-series analysis or related analytical approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic, government, and industry partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Experience supervising 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,

Pay Range: $67,288.48 - $80,000.00 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.

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

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

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.