Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator

Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator

The Research Coordinator serves as the lead scientist at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve), leading and developing a research program that advances knowledge of freshwater systems including the St. Louis River Estuary and coastal Lake Superior. Research focus areas range across applied and foundational topics such as estuarine water quality dynamics, harmful algal blooms, wetland and restoration sciences, invasive species impacts, and emerging climate stressors.

The coordinator collaborates nationally with partners in the National Estuarine Research Reserve system and works closely with Tribal Nations and local communities.

Primary duties include: developing and managing research projects and budgets, mentoring students and staff, coordinating with stewardship and monitoring programs, disseminating results, and securing funding through grant development. The position requires in‑person work on‑site at the Reserve, with travel to regional partners as necessary.

• Serve as subject‑matter expert and liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports, and disseminate information.
• Collect and analyze complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results.
• Instruct and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in relevant research topics.
• Facilitate scholarly events and presentations to support professional development.
• Develop and manage grant opportunities and proposals to secure research funding.
• Supervise day‑to‑day activities of a research unit and staff, resolving routine personnel issues.
• Monitor program budget and approve unit expenditures.
• Identify research problems, develop methodologies, publish and present results.

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

• Record of success leading collaborative, end‑user driven research and translating results across interdisciplinary settings.
• Training or demonstrated knowledge of estuarine and wetland science and/or the ecological setting of Lake Superior and Great Lakes.
• Success developing and managing collaborative research grants and budgets.
• Evidence of successful publications and presentations that advance research.
• Experience designing and teaching undergraduate or graduate‑level courses.
• Understanding and experience working with Native Nations communities.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills that promote positive workplace and partner relationships.

Master's degree required in a field closely related to the responsibilities of this position. PhD preferred.

Regular, full‑time scientist III position; salary starting at $76,289 annually, negotiable based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, retirement plans, and insurance. Requires valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regional travel. In‑person work on‑site with possible limited remote work.

Submit a resume or CV with three professional references and a cover letter addressing work experience and alignment with the role. Final date to receive applications:
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 11:59 pm CST. Contact Deanna Erickson at (715) 399‑4086 or deanna.erickson for questions.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or veteran status. For more information on applicant and employee rights, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.