NRRI Temporary Renewable Associate Staff Scientist- Integrated Ecology

Early-career research professional, hired on a term position (renewable depending on funding) to assist with ecological research, quantitative data analysis, and manuscript development. Primary functions focus on supporting research projects spanning population modeling, habitat management, ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and coastal wetland dynamics. Key competencies include statistical computing, spatial data handling, scientific literature synthesis, and technical writing, and adaptability across office and field settings. In support of NRRI's mission to deliver applied natural resource solutions, this position provides essential research capacity and manuscript drafting support to translate complex ecological data into peer-reviewed publications and actionable management tools. Decisions are guided by project frameworks, standard operating procedures, and direction from the Principal Investigator / Manager. Must be eligible to work in the United States.

The end date will be one year from the start date. At that point, the team will deliberate whether or not the position is eligible for an annual renewal.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 10/15/26.

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Work Schedule

Flexible, casual schedule (up to 40 hours per week during peak periods, or variable part-time hours) based on project timelines, manuscript milestones, and funding availability. In-Person work environment.

Job Duties

• Quantitative Analysis & Population Modeling (40%)
  • Conduct data management, statistical computing, and quantitative modeling (e.g., population dynamics, species-habitat relationships, biodiversity metrics).
  • Process and analyze ecological, spatial, and environmental datasets associated with coastal wetlands and managed ecosystems.
  • Develop reproducible code (e.g., in R or Python) to organize, clean, and model complex ecological data.
• Scientific Writing & Manuscript Development (30%)
  • Assist Principal Investigators and senior researchers in drafting, editing, and formatting peer-reviewed manuscripts for submission to scientific journals.
  • Perform comprehensive literature reviews and syntheses regarding ecosystem resilience, habitat management, and coastal wetland ecology.
  • Prepare clear data visualizations, figures, tables, and executive summaries to communicate findings to scientific and agency audiences.
• Research Execution, Data Management & Field Support (20%)
  • Conduct seasonal field sampling, environmental monitoring, and site assessments as needed across a variety of ecosystems (e.g., coastal wetlands, inland habitats), adding physical collection experience and task variety to core analytical work.
  • Assist with project workflows, tracking deadlines, and organizing research deliverables across both broad and topic-specific ecological initiatives.
  • Maintain curated, well-documented project databases, field logs, and shared digital repositories.
  • Support the preparation of progress reports, technical documents, and scientific presentations for project partners.
• Collaboration & Communication (10%)
  • Coordinate with interdisciplinary research teams, university staff, and external partners to gather required data inputs and review draft products.
  • Participate in regular project check-ins, safety training, research group discussions, and manuscript review sessions.

Physical / Environmental Demands

The majority of work will be office-based. However, depending on funding and project scope, field work may require conducting strenuous field research in remote outdoor environments and wetland conditions (e.g., peatlands, black ash swamps) under varying weather conditions. Physical demands include navigating off-trail terrain, carrying field equipment (up to 40 lbs), operating field instrumentation, and exposure to insect vectors, extreme weather, or remote field living conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) plus two years of relevant experience in Integrated Biosciences, Avian Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related natural resource discipline, or a combination of relevant work experience equal to six years.
• Demonstrated experience conducting statistical computing, data visualization, and quantitative data analysis using software such as R, RStudio, or Python.
• Proven scientific writing ability, evidenced by thesis research, peer-reviewed journal publications, or technical agency reports.
• Experience conducting field research, biotic sampling, greenhouse experiments, and planting/propagation trials under controlled, greenhouse, and variable outdoor field conditions.
• Direct research experience in avian ecology, specifically with songbird monitoring, nest box protocols, avian natural history/phenology, and wildlife diet and toxicology sample collection and processing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.S.) in Integrated Biosciences, Avian Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related natural resource discipline (completed prior to start date).
• Advanced proficiency in R/RStudio for complex data wrangling, multivariate analyses (e.g., PCA, ordination), spatial ecology modeling, or reproducible code development.
• Demonstrated track record of lead- or co-authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications in natural science or environmental toxicology journals.
• Experience preparing technical reports, progress updates, or proposal deliverables for state, federal, or defense sponsors (e.g., DoD, LCCMR, DNR).
• Demonstrated experience processing, archiving, and managing multi-disciplinary environmental, laboratory, or biological sample datasets.
• Relevant graduate coursework in Animal Spatial Ecology, Ecological Statistics, Conservation Biology, or Biotic Responses to Climate Change.
• Proven ability to balance independent workflow execution with interdisciplinary lab collaboration and team communication.
  

Pay Range: $53,149.20 per year - $55,000 per year ($25.55-$26.44 an hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

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.

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.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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