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 technicianâ™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 technicianâ™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
Bachelorâ™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
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.