Job Opportunity: Minnesota Sea Grant Invasive Cattail, Plant and Fish Communities Research Fellow

Quick Summary

The Minnesota Sea Grant invasive cattail research fellow position is a two-year, full-time position for a highly motivated individual with experience in fisheries field research and data analysis. The initial focus of the position will be to coordinate efforts to investigate whether small-scale mechanical harvesting of invasive hybrid cattail (Typha X glauca) can be a successful nearshore lake habitat restoration method to benefit water quality, native plants, and fish communities. This position has a substantial outreach component and includes engagement with external partners such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, state watershed districts, city parks, local lake groups, and other communities.

Quick Links & Instructions

Applications must be submitted online. 

1. To apply for this position, go to https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job
2. Search for Job ID 359528
3. Link to Research Fellow posting
4. Complete the online application and attach all of the following: 
   1. Cover letter 
   2. Resume or curriculum vitae 
   3. Contact information for three professional references 

Quick reference: 

1. Who’s hiring: The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program 
2. Job Title: Research Fellow 
3. Job Code: 9742R5 - Researcher 5 
4. Location: St. Paul, MN 
5. Full or part time: Full-time (40 hours per week) and annually renewable for two years 
6. Travel percentage: Up to 30% 
7. Application open date: 1/26/2024 
8. Application close date: Reviews will begin in mid-February and the position will remain open until filled
9. Questions: If you have questions about this position contact Extension Program Leader Amy Schrank at aschrank@umn.edu.

About the Position

The position is an up-to-two-year, 100% time, professional/academic appointment, including benefits, with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. The title for this position is Researcher 5 (9742R5) with the working title of Research Fellow. Expected compensation for this position will range from $50,000 to $60,000 per year plus University of Minnesota benefits.

General Responsibilities

The research fellow will contribute to all components of research, including sampling design, project coordination, communication with partners, field data collection, laboratory analyses, data management, reporting to funders and external partners, and preparation of manuscripts. This individual will also support undergraduate student researchers and research infrastructure (e.g., field vehicle, boat, physical lab space). 

1. During the June to September growing season the position will include substantial field research responsibilities including coordinating with internal and external researchers and partners, managing logistics and permits, and leading field sampling of fishes, plants and water quality in lakes. 
2. Fieldwork will include multiday trips of up to two weeks outside of the Twin-Cities Metro in sometimes remote locations with lodging modes to include hotel/camping/airbnb. 
3. For most of the year, the research fellow will perform campus- and computer-based research, including managing and analyzing data, preparing reports and manuscripts, and performing related research responsibilities. 
4. This individual will be part of multiple teams, and their ability to work effectively with external partners, perform outreach to interested communities and partners, and help support students, interns, and other early-career individuals will be highly valued.

Who We Are

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position contact Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program Leader Amy Schrank

Additional Information

Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (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. The program partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.