Research Scientist in Marine Sensing and High Frequency Monitoring

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and generous time‑of

PSLF opportunity

HSA contributions

Medical and dental plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota and Duluth campus seek a research-driven professional to advance Lake Superior studies through sensor networks and data-driven analysis. You will lead deployment, QA/QC, and cross‑institution collaboration with Minnesota Sea Grant and industry partners.

Responsibilities include coordinating data management, mentoring interns, and producing reports and manuscripts for publication.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree with one or more years of research training.
• Must be a US citizen.

Responsibilities

• Develop research questions and analytical approaches using sensing and monitoring data to understand Lake Superior dynamics.
• Coordinate deployment of an expanding network of sensor buoys in Lake Superior.
• QA/QC for data collection, entry, analysis and metadata.
• Collaborate to provide data to communities for decision making and problem solving.
• Prepare research reports and manuscripts for publication.

Skills

US citizenship

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Education

PhD in limnology / marine science / coastal engineering or related field

BA/BS + 6+ years experience or advanced degree + 4+ years experience

Job description

About the Job

Priority consideration will be given to applications received byOctober 16th . Please note, this position is not eligiblefor H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer aSTEM OPT training program.

Job Duties:

• Develop research questions and analytical approaches usingsensing and monitoring data to improve understanding of LakeSuperior dynamics.
• Coordinate and participate in the deployment of an expandingnetwork of sensor buoys in Lake Superior.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control for datacollection, entry, analysis and metadata.
• Collaborate with extension personnel to provide data tocommunities so they can understand and use the data indecision-making and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with colleagues to prepare research reports andmanuscripts for publication.
• Collaborate with Large Lakes Observatory personnel and otherscientific partners to plan and conduct data collection andanalyses.
• Supervise undergraduate interns and other project personnel asassigned.

Provide project and technical coordination (40%)

• Coordinate implementation of the sensing and monitoring projectamong Minnesota Sea Grant, aacademic collaborators, and industrypartners.
• Lead technical coordination including deployment planning,sensor integration, equipment procurement, troubleshooting, andmonitoring workflows.
• Coordinate environmental data management and integration,including data transfer, storage, metadata, and development oflong-term data workflows.
• Track project activities, timelines, technical needs, anddeliverables and communicate progress to the PI, project team, andpartners.
• Coordinate with Minnesota Sea Grant extension staff to connectproject research with education, outreach and workforce developmentactivities.

Participate in general core MNSG activities (10%)

• Attend staff and other required meetings.
• Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and programactivities viewable to all staff.
• Report work activity on a regular basis using program forms,databases, or other formats as requested.
• Help write, edit, design, review, and/or produce documentscritical to Sea Grant such as strategic plans, grant proposals, andprogress reports.
• Participate in professional development opportunities andmandatory training as required by MNSG and the University of Minnesota.
• Serve on MNSG, Great Lakes Sea Grant, University of Minnesota,National Sea Grant, and other committees as requested. Other dutiesas assigned

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, oradvanced degree plus at least four years of relevantexperience. OR
• Advanced degree with one or more years of researchtraining.
• Must be a US citizen.

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in limnology, marine science, coastal engineering or arelated field.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity, as evidenced byscholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals or other scholarlyproducts.
• Experience with marine or freshwater sensor technologies,continuous monitoring systems, electronics, digital communications,and/or integration of sensors with IoT technologies.
• Experience managing and analyzing large, high-frequencydatasets, including time-series analysis or related analyticalapproaches.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic,government, and industry partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Experience supervising undergraduates or junior personnel.

About the Department

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide program of theUniversity of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grantpartnerships across the country that bring applied water science tocommunities. MNSG’s extension educators, researchers andcommunicators work with community members, local decision-makers,policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business andindustry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems andthe services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes theUniversity of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.

The Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) is located on the Duluth Campusof the University of Minnesota and is part of the Swenson Collegeof Science and Engineering. The LLO is the only institute in thecountry dedicated to the study of large lakes throughout the world.We focus on the global implications of our investigations in theareas of aquatic chemistry, circulation dynamics, geochemistry,acoustic remote sensing,

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $67,288.48 - $80,000.00 annually; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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 to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming 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 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.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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 that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for 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-life flexibility.