Researcher I - Field Microbiologist

Universities of Wisconsin • Superior, WI

3d • $48,000 - $50,000

About The Position

Make a difference working with environmental researchers in the Great Lakes Region! The Lake Superior Research Institute has been with the UWS campus for over 55 years. We are dedicated to conducting environmental research that benefits the people, industries and natural resources of the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region. The successful candidate will be passionate about conducting scientific research that drives environmental policy and advances our knowledge of global aquatic nuisance species research. Candidates that demonstrate the ability to problem solve, think independently, prioritize research objectives and schedules, and work collaboratively with a diverse team are encouraged to apply. The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Researcher I Field Microbiologist provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel. Serves as a field microbiologist for the Lake Superior Research Institute’s (LSRI) Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC) program and other projects such as beach monitoring. The person in this position will be part of a team analyzing ballast water from ships throughout the Great Lakes region including Canada, for microbial indicator species. Data from these field events will be used to help regulators and scientists understand the efficacy of ballast treatment systems in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic nuisance species. This data is critical to informing the United States EPA as it develops ballast water treatment standards for the shipping industry. Because there is a fair amount of uncertainty around ship schedules, the sampling team needs to be adaptable, occasionally departing for a sampling event with minimal notice.

Requirements

• Knowledge and ability to collect and prepare water samples in the field for microbial analysis. Candidate must be willing and able to travel. Travel throughout the Great Lakes region generally occurs monthly, including occasional international travel to Canada. Trips are typically 2 days to 1 week in duration.
• Skilled in preparing and conducting microbial analysis of water samples (i.e., fecal indicator bacterial quantification, heterotrophic bacteria counts, membrane filtration, epifluorescence microscopy).
• Ability to problem solve and balance multiple priorities.
• Knowledge and ability to work with a diverse team of colleagues (e.g., co-workers, student employees, researchers, stakeholders, agency staff, etc.).
• Ability to comfortably communicate at a professional level with diverse groups of people (e.g., ship crew, project partners, colleagues, students, researchers, stakeholders).
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to rapidly changing situations (e.g., schedules, weather, research objectives, etc.).
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with team members to meet projected deadlines.
• Skilled in laboratory management (e.g., ordering chemicals and supplies, management and disposal of hazardous and chemical waste).
• Skilled in data quality management.
• Skilled in use of word processing software and use of spreadsheets to enter, manipulate and report data.
• Knowledge and ability in utilizing molecular techniques such as microbial source tracking, qPCR, eDNA etc.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors year-round in a wide variety of weather conditions.
• Given training and necessary safety equipment, ability to work in an industrial setting (i.e., on a large ship with tight quarters, variety of climates, loud noises).
• Ability to lift 40 pounds and climb steep stairs while carrying sampling equipment.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends and nights.
• Able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card and passport.
• Willingness to serve the mission of UWS and LSRI by being a representative at activities such as Science Fest, or Campus Preview Days.
• Ability to drive a vehicle for the purpose of conducting university business and meet the criteria for operation of state-owned-vehicles – Policy 615
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field (e.g. environmental microbiology) earned by May 31, 2026.
• Experience independently collecting, preparing, or analyzing environmental samples in a field setting.
• Experience analyzing environmental samples using various microbial techniques (dilutions, culturing, enumeration, identification, etc.).
• Experience operating, calibrating, verifying, and maintaining laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, pipettes, incubators, autoclaves, etc.).
• Experience implementing quality assurance/quality control strategies (sterility checks, media checks, positive and negative controls, blanks, duplicates, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license.
• The University of Wisconsin-Superior does not offer H-1B or other work authorization immigration sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be independently, legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain their work authorization without the support or help of UW-Superior throughout employment.
• UW-Superior is not an E-Verify employer; therefore, it cannot employ individuals on the STEM OPT extension. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field (e.g., environmental microbiology).
• 2 years of post-degree biological research experience.
• Familiarity with microbial analysis of water samples (e.g., IDEXX™ Quanti-Tray, heterotrophic plate counts, membrane filtration, colony blot hybridization, epifluorescence microscopy)
• Experience collaborating with government agencies (e.g., state or federal agencies, local health departments) ideally within the context of laboratory certification and compliance.
• Experience maintaining thorough, well-organized written and electronic records.
• Experience proofing and summarizing data.
• Experience drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test plans.
• Experience as lead author for technical reports.
• Experience training and mentoring staff and student employees.
• Experience using basic statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends.
• Experience trailering and operating a small motorboat for field work.
• Experience working with aquatic invasive species.

Responsibilities

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures.
• Conducts and coordinates microbial research for GWRC shipboard and land-based projects.
• Manages day-to-day operational activities of microbiology research.
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications.
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area.
• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures.
• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership.
• Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding.
• Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range for this position is: $48,000 - $50,000 annually.
• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
• For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.
• University of Wisconsin-Superior is a gold-level certified employer recognized by Family Friendly Workplaces.

What This Job Offers

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