Researcher 1 - Walsh Lab

The Walsh Lab at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is seeking a full-time researcher (Researcher 1, Specialty Lane: Environmental and Natural Resources) to assist in data management and research efforts in support of innovative and adaptive invasive aquatic plant management (IAPM) funded by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). The position will be based in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, supervised by Dr. Jake Walsh. The project is in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Invasive Species Program. This research partnership aims to digitize, collate, and centralize DNR and other Minnesota IAPM data and metadata; create data management plans and data products; create code and workflows to support and conduct research from data products; and provide online data access and visualization tools. This role will primarily be performed in an office work environment with some flexibility to work from home.

*Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities
The position focuses on data management in partnership with DNR and Minnesota IAPM stakeholders (e.g., lake associations, watershed and lake improvement districts, and IAPM treatment and survey contractors). Most of the work will involve campus- and computer-based data collation and management and project coordination and research with the team and partners, with some travel for in-person meetings and day-long workshops with partners and stakeholders.

The research technician will aid in data entry, organization, and management (~70%), including assisting with database development, helping prepare data management plans, metadata, database publications, and online research tools. The technician's experience in managing data using common database software and attention to detail will be highly valued.

The research technician will also assist with project coordination and communication with project partners and stakeholders (~20%), including attending project meetings, assisting in and helping plan and deliver stakeholder workshops with IAPM contractors and stakeholders, and working closely with DNR Invasive Species Program staff. The technician's ability to listen to partners and stakeholders to understand and help deliver on partner needs will be highly valued.

Professional development (~10%) could include assisting in field and laboratory work to develop skills and build relationships with project partners, aiding with data analysis in R and ArcGIS, and helping with proposal writing. Since this is a foundational research project grounded in developing tools to support additional research, helping to prepare proposals is a likely responsibility and will help extend the duration of this grant-funded position or create potential opportunities for graduate work.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., ecology, biology, environmental science, data science, statistics) or combined education and work experience equal to at least four years
• Experience working with environmental/research datasets and/or conducting data analysis (including spreadsheets, data visualization, or statistical software such as R)
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Enthusiasm for engaging a diverse range of partners and stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of regional aquatic plant management practices and practitioners
• Experience working with state or local governments or local lake managers and stakeholders
• Experience working with database software (e.g., Access or SQL-based software)
• Experience writing data management plans, building data that meets the FAIR principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability
• Experience with data visualization, especially using online, interactive tools such as R Shiny or ArcGIS StoryMaps
• Care to attention and detail in computer-based data collation, management, and research

Pay Range: $22.75 - $24.54 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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 training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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 counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).