Research Specialist
- UWSYS University of Wisconsin System Administration
- Milwaukee, WI
- 1w ago
- Full-Time
- On-site
...
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Position Title:
Research SpecialistJob Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Research SpecialistJob Duties:
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).
Key Job 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
Department:
School of Freshwater Sciences
Compensation:
$38,000 - $49,000
(Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)
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.
Specific tasks related to this position include:
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
Required Qualifications:
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)
Preferred Qualifications:
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). th
Physical Requirements
Position requires ability to perform strenuous physical activity on research boats and vessels. This includes occasional long days (10-12 hours) on boats.
Field work is conducted in occasionally rough (high wave) conditions on Lake Michigan, which may negatively affect individuals prone to motion sickness.
A significant portion of the time in this position is spent conducting biological / chemical analyses in the lab, and working on a computer to manage, analyze and visualize data.
This position may require the individual to travel for field work for 3-4 days at a time.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree
How to Apply: Interested applicants please apply online no later than June 10, 2026. Please submit both a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.
Contact Information: Please direct any questions to Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.