Research Pro - Environmental and Natural Sciences

About the Job

This is a 10 week position (start date: March 15, 2026), with possibility of extension dependent on availability of additional funding and performance. The position will be located at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Grand Rapids, MN. Grand Rapids is a city of about 11,000 located in north‑central Minnesota. There are more than a million acres of forests and over a thousand lakes in the Grand Rapids area offering year‑round recreation.

The city is a regional center for education, recreation, commerce, and culture. The Duluth, Hibbing, and Bemidji airports serve the community with connections to Minneapolis. Grand Rapids is a full‑service community with ample medical, dental, and legal services. Short‑term housing for rent is available near the Grand Rapids Forestry Science Laboratory.

We seek a broadly trained researcher with required entomological knowledge and skills to participate in studies examining disturbance and climate change effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. streams, lakes, peatlands, seasonal ponds, forests, and grasslands). The successful applicant will be expected to independently conduct field work in rugged terrain of the Great Lakes region and lab work in Grand Rapids, MN including identification of larval and adult insects and other invertebrates to the genus level and plants to the species level.

The individual must have excellent verbal and written communications skills and be able to work with co‑workers, collaborators, and equipment in a respectful and safe manner. We are looking for a detail‑minded individual who can follow protocols for the collection and analysis of samples and complex data sets and problem solve as necessary. Assisting with entry and analysis of data for presentations and publications will be expected.

Fieldwork (70%):

• Independently conduct habitat surveys in aquatic and terrestrial habitats including substrate analyses and measures of water and sediment depth, temperature, canopy cover, and vegetation species.
• Independently conduct sampling and field identification of aquatic and terrestrial insects.
• Conduct in‑situ water chemistry measurements including pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity.
• Set‑up and maintain field data loggers.

Laboratory (15%):

• Independently identify larval and adult insects and other invertebrates of the eastern U.S. to the genus level using microscopy and taxonomic keys.
• Process organic matter samples.
• Run water chemistry analyses.

Data Analysis and Presentations (10%):

• Enter data into spreadsheets accurately, maintain large data sets, and analyze complex data.

Lab Management (5%):

• Conduct routine lab maintenance and safety inspections.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Entomology including coursework in aquatic entomology, insect taxonomy, wetland ecology, limnology, statistics, advanced chemistry and mathematics, and field and laboratory experience.
• B.S. degree and 4 years of documented research experience related to entomological field and laboratory work a combination of education and experience to equal 8 years.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in identifying larval and adult aquatic insects and other invertebrates of the eastern U.S. to genus level using microscopy and dichotomous keys.
• Demonstrated experience in independently conducting fieldwork in aquatic and terrestrial habitats in rugged landscapes, and processing water chemistry, animal, and vegetation samples in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to multi‑task, follow established protocols to collect and process samples in a precise manner, problem solve, and follow all safety protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to respectfully communicate and work cooperatively with co‑workers and collaborators.
• Demonstrated experience in safely operating and maintaining 4x4 vehicles, small research boats, power tools, field and lab equipment.
• Ability to use a computer, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software.
• Valid state‑issued driver's license and safe driving record.
• Ability to routinely make overnight trips up to 4 days for fieldwork or travel to the UM Twin Cities campus.
• Ability to work in…