Researcher 5 - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

Position Summary
The Project Manager will lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary project on microplastic pollution in freshwater systems across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This role blends field and laboratory research, behavioral ecology, data analysis, scientific writing, and collaboration with academic partners and municipal agencies. The successful candidate will have experience in behavioral ecology research, especially with aquatic snails, and will be responsible for both research management and hands-on experimentation.

Key Responsibilities
Oversee daily operations of the microplastics research project, ensuring timely progress toward milestones and deliverables.

Coordinate activities and communication among research team members, students, and external collaborators.

Serve as the primary liaison with freshwater management agencies, city officials, and other stakeholders.

Design and conduct field sampling campaigns in stormwater systems in the Twin Cities Metro Area.

Collect, process, and analyze environmental samples for microplastic content using established protocols.

Maintain laboratory equipment, manage sample inventories, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Conduct behavioral assays with freshwater snails to assess the ecological and behavioral impacts of microplastic exposure, including experimental design, implementation, and data interpretation.

Oversee the care, husbandry, and maintenance of snails in an aquaculture setting to ensure animal welfare and experimental integrity.

Analyze large datasets using statistical and geospatial tools to interpret microplastic distribution and biological effects.

Prepare technical reports, data visualizations, and presentations for scientific and public audiences.

Lead and contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and grant proposals.

Present research findings at scientific conferences, public forums, and stakeholder meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in field and laboratory research, with a focus on microplastics or aquatic pollution.
• Experience conducting behavioral ecology research, including behavioral assays with aquatic invertebrates (preferably snails).
• Proven experience in the care and husbandry of snails or similar organisms in an aquaculture or laboratory setting.
• Strong data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, GIS).
• Track record of scientific writing and publication.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective team and stakeholder coordination.
• Valid driver's license and ability to conduct fieldwork in various weather conditions.
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams.
• Familiarity with freshwater management agencies and urban water systems in the Twin Cities.
• Grant writing and budget management experience.

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) faculty teach undergraduate classes, advise graduate students, and conduct research in the areas of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Check out the Faculty and research section to learn more about them and their intriguing research interests.

EEB is part of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota and is one of the University's most highly-ranked units. The department is located in the Ecology Building on the St. Paul campus, but also has two major field stations where students and faculty conduct field research. Many of the research collections of the Bell Museum are also located in the Ecology Building, and the department is an affiliated department of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

Pay Range: $60,000 to $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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 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).