Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator

Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator

Join to apply for the Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator role at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The position is a full‑time, regular, Scientist III level role within the Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute.

The Research Coordinator serves as the lead scientist at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, advancing knowledge of freshwater systems, including the St. Louis River Estuary and coastal Lake Superior. Key research areas include estuarine water quality dynamics, harmful algal blooms, wetland and restoration sciences, invasive species impacts, and emerging climate stressors. The coordinator collaborates with national partners in the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and works closely with Tribal Nations, local communities, and the Reserve’s stewardship, monitoring, training, and education programs.

• Lead research program development and integration across the Reserve’s monitoring, stewardship, coastal training, and education initiatives.
• Serve as an institutional subject‑matter expert and liaison with internal and external stakeholders, providing expert information and representing the Reserve’s specialized research interests.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports, and disseminate findings to appropriate entities.
• Collect, analyze, and document complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and prepare results according to established policies and procedures.
• Instruct and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research topics.
• Facilitate scholarly events and presentations to support professional development and research dissemination.
• Identify, write, or assist in developing grant opportunities and proposals to secure research funding.
• Supervise day‑to‑day activities of a research unit and staff, resolve routine personnel issues, and monitor program budget and expenditures.
• Develop highly complex research methodologies, publish and present results to advance scientific knowledge.

• At least five years in a research leadership role, including project planning, budget management, field work, data analysis, and science communication/publication.
• Experience supervising and/or mentoring research staff, technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, and post‑doctoral researchers or fellows.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• Record of leading collaborative and end‑user‑driven research and transferring results across interdisciplinary settings.
• Training or demonstrated knowledge of estuarine and wetland science and/or the ecological setting of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes.
• Success in developing and managing collaborative research grants and budgets.
• Evidence of successful publication and presentation of research findings.
• Experience designing and teaching undergraduate or graduate level courses.

• Understanding of and experience working with Native Nations communities.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills that promote positive, productive workplace and partner relationships.

• Required: Master’s degree in a field closely related to research responsibilities.
• Preferred: PhD in a field closely related to research responsibilities.

The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary is $76,289 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include generous vacation, holidays, paid time off; competitive insurance and savings plans; and retirement benefits. Detailed information can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

To begin the application process, click the “apply now” button and upload the following documents:

• Resume or CV with three professional references.
• Letter of Qualifications (cover letter).

Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background as it relates to this position. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skill set aligns with the role.

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