Quick reference:
- Title: Research Assistant
- Job code: 347120
- Employee Group: Civil Service
- Full/Part Time: Part Time
- Regular/Temporary: Temporary
- Office location: University of Minnesota Duluth campus
- Pay Range: $20.26 per hour
- Direct links to apply for job opening ID 347120:
- External Applicants: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/374120
- Internal Applicants: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/int/374120
About the Job
The University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota Sea Grant are seeking two to four student assistants for an eight-week, full-time summer position that bridges environmental science, engineering, and education. Working with Minnesota Sea Grant, Large Lakes Observatory, and University of Minnesota Duluth engineering and applied technology collaborators, the team will develop affordable, real-time water monitoring systems designed to track lake health by measuring factors like temperature, pH, and oxygen levels.
The role is split between hands-on technical development and educational outreach. On the engineering side, assistants will handle everything from soldering electronics and integrating sensors to 3D printing custom components and configuring cellular hardware that beams data to the cloud. Because these devices are ultimately headed for local classrooms, assistants will also spend a significant amount of time translating this complex technology into user-friendly assembly guides, troubleshooting manuals, and lesson plans for middle and high school teachers.
Paying $20.26 an hour, this position is ideal for college students in STEM or educational technology programs who want to apply their skills to a real-world project. The hiring team is looking for candidates with a foundational background in science or engineering, particularly those with experience in coding, 3D printing, or working with microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Primary Responsibilities
Percentages listed below express the relative workload for these tasks. They may vary slightly depending on the evolving needs of the position and experience of the individual hired, and other duties may be assigned.
Electronics and Embedded Systems (30%)
- Assemble and test SBC- and microcontroller-based monitoring systems
- Integrate sensors for temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and related environmental measurements
- Configure and troubleshoot communications hardware, including cellular and IoT systems
- Assist with low-power electronics development
- Support electronics assembly, soldering, and bench testing activities
Telemetry and Data Systems (20%)
- Configure cloud-connected monitoring systems using Blues Wireless hardware and services
- Support real-time environmental data transmission and logging
- Test remote monitoring workflows and troubleshoot communications reliability
- Assist with organization and management of environmental datasets
Prototyping and Fabrication (20%)
- Assemble prototype freshwater monitoring platforms
- Support waterproof enclosure development and field deployment preparation
- Assist with CAD modeling and 3D printing of components
- Conduct laboratory and field testing of prototype systems
Educational Materials Development (20%)
- Develop instructional guides and assembly documentation for teachers
- Help create age-appropriate learning materials for middle school and high school students
- Assist in simplifying technical systems for classroom implementation
- Support development of troubleshooting guides, student activities, and field deployment instructions
- Work with project staff to align materials with STEM and environmental learning goals
Documentation and Technical Support (10%)
- Document assembly procedures and testing workflows
- Help organize technical specifications and component inventories
- Assist in preparation of materials for future educator training workshops
- Participate in project meetings and maintain project documentation as requested
Expected Deliverables
- Functional prototype freshwater monitoring systems
- Tested communications and telemetry workflows
- Sensor integration documentation
- Field-ready electronics packages
- Teacher-facing instructional materials
- Student assembly and troubleshooting guides
- Recommendations for scalable classroom implementation
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least four years.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of at least one year in a university science, engineering, computer science, environmental science, physics, education technology, or related program
- Experience with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, Linux systems, or Python/C++
- Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software systems
- Strong written communication skills
- Interest in environmental monitoring, STEM education, or applied technology development
- Experience with IoT or telemetry systems
- Sensor integration experience
- CAD or 3D printing experience
- Familiarity with GitHub or collaborative software development
- Experience with soldering or electronics assembly
- Experience developing instructional or educational materials
- Interest in freshwater science, robotics, marine technology, or STEM outreach
About the Department
The University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota Sea Grant seek 2–4 temporary student engineering assistants to support development of low-cost freshwater monitoring systems for education, community-based environmental monitoring, and real-time environmental data collection applications.
Assistants will assist with rapid prototyping, electronics integration, sensor testing, telemetry systems, field deployment preparation, and development of instructional materials that help middle school and high school educators integrate environmental monitoring technology into classroom and field learning experiences.
This is an interdisciplinary applied technology position combining environmental monitoring, embedded systems, communications technology, educational technology development, and freshwater field testing.
Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a system 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 mission is to engage with communities along Lake Superior and Minnesota’s inland waters to understand water science needs, support scientific research to address those needs, and provide results to communities to help them apply science-based knowledge to solve problems, support and enhance local economies, and sustain ecosystem services for future generations.
Pay and Benefits
- Pay Range: $20.26 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.
- Time Appointment: Part-time; approximately 8 weeks during Summer 2026, 40 hours/week
- Position Type: Civil service
- Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
How to Apply
Please apply from the UMN Careers page, Job Opening ID: 374120
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.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] 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.