Research Scientist III

Michigan Technological University; Houghton (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated researcher to lead innovative studies in biophysical modeling of the Great Lakes. This role involves developing and applying advanced numerical models, mentoring junior researchers, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will contribute to high-impact publications and engage with external stakeholders to translate research into actionable insights. Ideal for those passionate about environmental science and eager to make a significant impact in a supportive academic environment.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering or related field required.
• 16+ months of experience beyond PhD with FVCOM model system.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models.
• Lead proposal development as PI or Co-PI for research projects.

Skills

Fortran

Matlab

Python

Data Assimilation Techniques

Numerical Modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering

Tools

FVCOM

ERSEM

LEEM

GEM

Job description

Apply now Job No: 25124
Department: Great Lakes Research Center
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Sciences, Research, Biology

Department: Great Lakes Research Center

Summary

The successful candidate will support, and lead research activities focused on biophysical modeling of the Great Lakes system. Responsibilities include numerical model development, application, and integration, particularly in areas involving FVCOM (Finite Volume Community Ocean Model), biogeochemical models such as ERSEM (European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model), LEEM (Lake Erie Ecosystem Model), and FVCOM-GEM (General Ecosystem Model). The candidate is expected to contribute to and lead proposal development as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), actively participate in scholarly publication efforts, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams that integrate Earth system modeling, data assimilation techniques, and observational analysis for environmental prediction.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Develop, apply, and evaluate hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models, particularly FVCOM and associated ecosystem modules (ERSEM, LEEM, GEM).
2. Design, execute, and analyze numerical experiments addressing Great Lakes physical and biophysical processes under current and future environmental scenarios.
3. Apply data assimilation techniques to improve model forecasting, process understanding, and model-data integration.
4. Write and contribute to competitive grant proposals, serving as PI or Co-PI where appropriate.
5. Lead and contribute to the publication of research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
6. Foster collaboration across disciplinary teams, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to building inclusive research environments.
7. Mentor students and junior researchers, providing guidance on modeling, data analysis, and scientific communication.
8. Engage with external stakeholders, such as government agencies and regional organizations, to translate scientific insights into actionable knowledge.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
10. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering or a closely related Engineering field.

Required Experience

• Minimum of sixteen-months professional experience beyond PhD.
• Extensive experience with the FVCOM model system and its Great Lakes applications.
• Proven experience with biophysical/ecosystem models such as ERSEM, LEEM, and/or GEM.
• Demonstrated experience applying data assimilation techniques in environmental or climate modeling contexts.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience working on multi-institutional, interdisciplinary projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Strong programming skills in Fortran, Matlab, and Python.
• Successful record of grant writing with experience serving as PI or Co-PI on proposals.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Strong presentation, scientific writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

Employee Safety Overview

Annual Data Security Training

Annual Title IX Training

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

Title of Position Supervisor

Associate Director, Professor

Posting Type

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Please attach a cover letter and resume to your application.

Additional Information

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [e-mail].

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

Advertised: 09 May 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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The successful candidate will support, and lead research activities focused on biophysical modeling of the Great Lakes system. Responsibilities include numerical model development, application, and integration, particularly in areas involving FVCOM (Finite Volume Community Ocean Model), biogeochemical models such as ERSEM (European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model), LEEM (Lake Erie Ecosystem Model), and FVCOM-GEM (General Ecosystem Model). The candidate is expected to contribute to and lead proposal development as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), actively participate in scholarly publication efforts, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams that integrate Earth system modeling, data assimilation techniques, and observational analysis for environmental prediction.

The successful candidate will support, and lead research activities focused on biophysical modeling of the Great Lakes system. Responsibilities include numerical model development, application, and integration, particularly in areas involving FVCOM (Finite Volume Community Ocean Model), biogeochemical models such as ERSEM (European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model), LEEM (Lake Erie Ecosystem Model), and FVCOM-GEM (General Ecosystem Model). The candidate is expected to contribute to and lead proposal development as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), actively participate in scholarly publication efforts, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams that integrate Earth system modeling, data assimilation techniques, and observational analysis for environmental prediction.

Michigan Technological University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex and gender. Michigan Tech also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX , and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator . For a complete copy of the policy or more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).