Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee • Milwaukee, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences conducts externally funded research on aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on the Great Lakes. The person in this position will assist with the implementation of research programs on Lake Michigan, which will include overseeing the management of an analytical laboratory, collecting field samples from a research boat or vessel, biological and chemical analyses of field samples, data management, and preliminary data visualization. All work is on site (non-remote). The Research Specialist will be responsible for general lab management, preparation for field work, assistance with supervision of undergraduate researchers, and assisting the supervisor with general administrative tasks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences or engineering.
• Competent in college-level (sophomore) algebra.
• Ability to conduct strenuous physical work (e.g. lifting up to 50 pounds)

Nice To Haves

• College level course work related to aquatic science.
• Experience working on boats, including small boats and large research vessels.
• Experience working on Lake Michigan or other large lakes.
• Experience in spectrophotometry and related chemical analysis (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silica).
• Experience in mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis.
• Experience in the use of limnological field equipment, including Niskin water samplers, ponar grabs, sediment traps, and water quality sondes.
• Experience in digital image analysis.
• Familiarity with data management software and data visualization software.
• Familiarity with Great Lakes biota (fish, invertebrates, algae).

Responsibilities

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s).
• Collects data and monitors test results
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area.
• Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Management of an analytical laboratory. This will include: Ordering and monitoring analytical reagents, Ordering lab hardware, Maintaining lab instruments, Ensuring the lab is kept clean and organized
• Assisting with field work on Lake Michigan. This will include: Ordering field hardware, Collection of water and biota samples using conventional sampling instruments, including CTD, water quality sonde, ponar grab, sediment traps, multi-corer, Niskin bottle, Deployment and maintenance of in situ instruments, including time lapse cameras and a turbidity / chlorophyll loggers, Operation of an outboard engine boat
• Assisting with laboratory analyses, including: Measuring carbon, nitrogen phosphorus and silica in particulate and dissolved forms. Measuring chlorophyll concentration using a benchtop fluorometer, Extracting lipids from invertebrate and fish samples, Stable isotope analysis
• Conducting preliminary data management and analysis
• Maintaining laboratory quality control / quality assurance protocols

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level