Short-term Stormwater Research Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a post-graduate research assistant for a stormwater group at SAFL to work on capture and release of pollutants from stormwater ponds, biofiltration media, and iron enhanced sand filters.

The role involves indoor lab work, outdoor field sampling, and joint lab-field activities with data collection, protocol development, and equipment handling; lifting and transporting canoes/kayaks and 46 lb loads are part of field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with science/engineering background including water resources, environmental, chemistry, etc.
• Research or water chemistry analysis experience preferred.
• Advanced graduate degrees considered advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Indoor laboratory experiment activities (~30%): setup/operation, sample analysis by wet chemistry, acid washing vials.
• Outdoor field experiments (~10%): travel to field sites, equipment setup, deploying and retrieving.
• Laboratory and field activities (~60%): sample collection, parameter measurement, data recording, cleanup, protocol development, other duties.

Skills

Lab techniques

Data collection

Field sampling

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering (water resources/environment/chemistry)

Advanced graduate degree preferred

Job description

Job Information

Job ID: 376317

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 0005

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL) is currently seeking a post-graduate research assistant for a stormwater research group to work on projects related to capture and release of pollutants from stormwater ponds, biofiltration media, and iron enhanced sand filters.

Job duties include:

• Activities for indoor laboratory experiments (~30%)
  • experiment setup and operation (~10%)
  • sample analysis by wet chemistry (~10%)
  • acid washing sample and analysis vials and containers (~10%)
• Activities for outdoor field experiments (~10%)
  • travel to field sites, equipment setup, deploying, maintaining, and retrieving (~10%)
• Activities for both laboratory and field experiments (~60%)
  • sample collection (~10%)
  • parameter measurement (~10%)
  • data collection and recording (~10%)
  • cleanup (~10%)
  • protocol development and execution (~10%)
  • and other duties necessary to complete the research (~10%)

These activities require lifting and carrying canoes and/or kayaks from vehicles down to and out of stormwater ponds, paddling around stormwater ponds to collect measurements and samples, and securing the canoe and/or kayak on top of vehicles such as a Ford F350 or Chevy Suburban. These activities also require loading and carrying equipment, instruments, samplers, and samples between vehicles, stormwater ponds, and analytical laboratory spaces. These activities may also require lifting and moving 5-gallon buckets full of water (~46lbs or 22kg) while conducting the experiments.

The position will be a part-time appointment with a maximum of 14 hours per week.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor's degree with a science and/or engineering background including water resources, environmental, chemistry, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research or Water Chemistry Analysis experience will be given special consideration
• Advanced graduate degrees will be given special consideration.

About the Department

This position is located in the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL), an interdisciplinary fluid mechanics research center of the College of Science and Engineering. SAFL research is focused on fundamental fluid dynamics and the intersection of fluid mechanics with major societal challenges in energy, environment and health. The lab integrates cutting-edge experimental work at laboratory and field scales with advanced computational tools and theory to obtain innovative, science-based solutions to fluid-flow challenges. Research is led at SAFL by 22 full-time faculty members with appointments in Departments of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Chemistry, Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering in the College of Science and Engineering; the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior in the College of Biological Sciences; the Department of Geography in the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate in the College of Food and Natural Resources Sciences. SAFL personnel includes research and support staff members, postdoctoral associates, graduate students, as well as visiting researchers and undergraduate interns conducting research at SAFL.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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.