NRRI-Associate Staff Scientist, Environmental Scientist
Listed on 2026-10-05
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Research/Development
Research Scientist -
Science
Research Scientist, Environmental Science
The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking to hirean environmental scientist to contribute to ongoing environmental monitoring, water/wastewater treatment technologies, and molecular biology projects in the Environmental Microbiology &Biotechnology Lab. The successful applicant will participate in awide variety of research activities across several projects, withduties including chemical and molecular biology analyses, fieldworkcampaigns, and assistance in laboratory management and training ofjunior scientists. A strong emphasis will be placed on laboratory safety, quality control, and research integrity across all job functions.
Priority Deadline
Note:
The application review will begin on10/15/2026.
Execute and optimize molecular biology workflows for environmental samples, including nucleic acidextraction, PCR/qPCR/dPCR, and sequencing. Maintain clean laboratory practices to avoid contamination (25%)
Perform chemical assaysfollowing established standard operating procedures, troubleshootprocedural issues and/or equipment malfunction, and maintain strict adherence to quality assurance/quality control standards.
Techniques will include but are not limited to ion chromatography,high-performance liquid chromatography, and spectrophotometry(25%)
Lead field sampling, monitoring, and maintenance activities at designated field sites under varying weather conditions (20%)
Contributequality data to reports and publications (10%)
Ensure safety compliance, troubleshoot and maintain instrumentation, and monitor inventory (10%)
Train junior scientists and student workers inroutine laboratory tasks and methods as described above (10%)
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Qualifications Required qualifications- Bachelor’s degree (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field) plus at least two years of relevant experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience to equal a minimum of six years
- Laboratory/research experience: familiarity with basic laboratory operations and safety procedures
- Field experience: familiarity with basic field samplingtechniques, environmental monitoring equipment, and/or general sitemaintenance
- Physical ability to work long hours outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Organized, self-motivated, and safety-minded (must address incover letter)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehiclebackground check (no moving violations in the past 2 years).
- Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation, and/or basicbioinformatics skills
- Experience with data management and statistical analysis software such as RStudio and/or Python
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
- Evidence of excellent record-keeping skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makerswhile leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI isguided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislatureto foster the economic development of Minnesota’s natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sectoremployment.
NRRI’s mission is to deliver integrated research…
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