About the Job:
Help deliver high-impact Great Lakes oil spill science education and outreach as a HazMaTON Undergraduate Research Assistant!
The Hazardous Material Transport Outreach Network (HazMaTON) Undergraduate Research Assistant will provide support on one of the projects identified in the HazMaTON Strategic Plan (2023-2028). Several priority projects were identified by HazMaTON members for the 2025-2026 academic year. The HazMaTON Undergraduate Research Assistant, working with their supervisor, will work on one of these projects:
- Conduct a social network analysis aimed at increasing HazMaTON’s understanding of how freshwater oil spill science information flows through HazMaTON’s target audience.
- Create an ArcGIS StoryMap that details, for a non-technical audience, the transportation of hazardous materials throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes region, and describes environmental emergency management in both Canada and the United States.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of literature, publicly available databases, and geospatial datasets to determine the types of hazardous materials that are transported throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes region, including approximate volumes and primary mode of transport.
The HazMaTON Undergraduate Research Assistant must have the ability to work independently, be reliable and organized, exhibit good attention to detail, and have library and/or literary research experience. This position will be supervised by HazMaTON Coordinator and Minnesota Sea Grant Great Lakes Transportation Extension Educator Kelsey Prihoda. The supervisor and individual selected for this position will determine which projects to focus on based on the individual’s strengths and interests.
General Responsibilities:
The HazMaTON Undergraduate Research Assistant responsibilities are project dependent and may include:
- Performing library and/or literary research and synthesizing research findings to inform project planning.
- Attending quarterly HazMaTON all-member meetings (via Zoom) to provide project updates and solicit feedback from members that will be used to generate final project outcomes. The HazMaTON Undergraduate Research Assistant may also be asked to periodically attend meetings (via Zoom) of the HazMaTON Communications Committee.
- Creating outreach products for a non-technical audience to be added to HazMaTON’s redesigned website.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:
- Enrolled in the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota for a minimum of six credits.
Preferred Qualifications:
Best applicants will also demonstrate the following:
- Able to comply with all training requirements and certifications on time.
- Experience performing library and/or literary research and synthesizing data.
- Be able to work independently and follow detailed instructions (both written and oral) while recognizing when assistance is required.
- Be organized, highly responsible, detail-oriented, and willing to work as a team member.
- Be dependable, punctual, and responsible.
- Experience with the Zoom platform.
- Proficient in using ArcGIS Online.
- Knowledge of transportation networks for crude oil and refined petroleum products.
- Knowledge of survey methodologies and best practices.
Code of Conduct:
Contribute to a respectful workplace and contribute as a Minnesota Sea Grant and HazMaTON team member. Follow Minnesota Sea Grant and the University of Minnesota codes of conduct regarding authorship, research, financial transactions, expense reimbursement, vacation and sick leave reporting, use of supplies and office equipment, use of controlled substances, outside consulting, and use of University and Sea Grant names and logos.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter (no more than one page) and resume (no more than two pages) that describe how your experience meets the skills needed for this position and the preferred qualifications. Applicants should indicate in their cover letter which of the three priority projects they are interested in working with HazMaTON members on. Apply through the University of Minnesota jobs website: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job.
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. The presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the Program:
Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant Program, which supports 34 similar programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It receives funding through the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the University of Minnesota. Minnesota Sea Grant partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.
About the U of M:
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 who draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.
CONTACT:
Kelsey Prihoda, HazMaTON Coordinator and Great Lakes transportation extension educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Duluth. [email protected].
Image credit: Minnesota Sea Grant