NRRI-Associate Staff Scientist, Environmental Scientist

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays & time off

Tuition benefits

Healthcare plans

FSAs and HSA contributions

Wellbeing program

Retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Financial counseling

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Natural Resources Research Institute at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, seeks an environmental scientist to advance environmental monitoring, water and wastewater tech development, and molecular biology projects. The role emphasizes lab safety, quality control, and research integrity while mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities include molecular biology analyses, chemical measurements, field campaigns, and data management across multiple projects, with a strong focus on safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field with ≥2 years of relevant experience or equivalent
• Laboratory/research experience and strong safety practices
• Field sampling experience and environmental monitoring familiarity
• Ability to work outdoors for long hours in varying weather
• Organized, self-motivated and safety-minded
• Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize molecular biology workflows for environmental samples
• Perform chemical assays and maintain QA/QC standards
• Lead field sampling, monitoring and site maintenance
• Contribute quality data to reports and publications
• Maintain laboratory safety, troubleshoot instrumentation and manage inventory
• Train junior staff and student workers in routine tasks

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR/dPCR

Python/R

Team collaboration

Laboratory safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Ion chromatography

HPLC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

About the Job

The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking to hirean environmental scientist to contribute to ongoing environmentalmonitoring, water/wastewater treatment technologies, and molecularbiology projects in the Environmental Microbiology &Biotechnology Lab. The successful applicant will participate in awide variety of research activities across several projects, withduties including chemical and molecular biology analyses, fieldworkcampaigns, and assistance in laboratory management and training ofjunior scientists. A strong emphasis will be placed on laboratorysafety, quality control, and research integrity across all jobfunctions.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on10/15/2026.

Job Duties

1. Molecular biology analysis: Execute and optimize molecularbiology workflows for environmental samples, including nucleic acidextraction, PCR/qPCR/dPCR, and sequencing. Maintain cleanlaboratory practices to avoid contamination (25%)
2. Chemical measurements and processing: Perform chemical assaysfollowing established standard operating procedures, troubleshootprocedural issues and/or equipment malfunction, and maintain strictadherence to quality assurance/quality control standards.Techniques will include but are not limited to ion chromatography,high-performance liquid chromatography, and spectrophotometry(25%)
3. Field work: Lead field sampling, monitoring, and maintenanceactivities at designated field sites under varying weatherconditions (20%)
4. Data entry, management, and statistical analysis: Contributequality data to reports and publications (10%)
5. Laboratory maintenance: Ensure safety compliance, troubleshootand maintain instrumentation, and monitor inventory (10%)
6. Mentorship: Train junior scientists and student workers inroutine laboratory tasks and methods as described above (10%)

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Cardsponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT trainingprogram.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Chemistry, EnvironmentalEngineering, or related field) plus at least two years of relevantexperience; OR an equivalent combination of education andexperience to equal a minimum of six years
• Laboratory/research experience: familiarity with basiclaboratory operations and safety procedures
• Field experience: familiarity with basic field samplingtechniques, environmental monitoring equipment, and/or general sitemaintenance
• Physical ability to work long hours outdoors in varying weatherconditions
• Organized, self-motivated, and safety-minded (must address incover letter)
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehiclebackground check (no moving violations in the past 2 years).

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, EnvironmentalEngineering, or a related field
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNAextraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation, and/or basicbioinformatics skills
• Experience with data management and statistical analysissoftware such as RStudio and/or Python
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Evidence of excellent record-keeping skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

About the Department

About NRRI:

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by theMinnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineeringresearch organization to inform state citizens and decision-makerswhile leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI isguided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislatureto foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resourcesin an environmentally sound manner to promote private sectoremployment.

NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research solutions thatvalue our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable andresilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused teamworking to create opportunities for natural resourcestewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRIworks across five strategic research platforms. These platformsaddress Minnesota’s soil, forest, water and mineralresources:

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management
• Minerals and Metallurgy
• Materials and Bioeconomy
• Data Collection and Delivery
• Commercialization Services

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $46,155.20 - $57,345.60 annually ; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty LaborRepresented Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package thatincludes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• 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 counselingat no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Thisapproach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, 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 successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks amongthe top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and WorldReport's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to bothlarge research and small liberal arts environments and attractsstudents looking for a personalized learning experience on amedium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal artsfoundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, aswell as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's manyresearch institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor 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-lifeflexibility.