Researcher

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Researcher with a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related fields. The role involves contributing to research on Echinacea angustifolia, conducting fieldwork, managing lab activities, and mentoring students and volunteers. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a keen interest in wild biota. The position is based in Minneapolis, MN, and requires collaboration with diverse teams.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolution, or related field; or combination of education and experience to equal 4 years.

Keen interest in wild biota.

Preferred Qualifications:
Desired skills and experience include completing tasks independently & on time, communicating clearly in writing, paying attention to detail, and working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Experience using R & the desire to learn more. Other valuable interests or experience include but are not limited to: performing outdoor physical work in adverse conditions, computer programming, supervising community scientists, mentoring students, conducting artificial crosses, organizing and curating specimens, automating systems, conducting outreach, growing plants, and identifying insects.

80% – Contribute to Ongoing Research Projects

As a researcher, contribute to ongoing research on the conservation genetics, reproductive biology, and demography of the prairie plant Echinacea angustifolia. Fieldwork occurs in western Minnesota and greenhouse and lab activities at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Activities include: field research, managing lab activities, database management, experimental plot management, supervising data collection, planning and implement research projects, maintaining website, purchasing supplies, coordinating and planning with members of the team, writing about research activities and findings. Setting goals and timelines for projects and completing them.

20% mentor, supervise, and interact with members of the team.

Interact closely with conservation scientists, graduate students, interns, researchers, participants, and volunteers associated with the Echinacea project: managing Echinacea Project volunteers and mentoring students; teaching protocols and answering science-related questions; mentoring participants and students on independent projects and engaging them in lab activities; supervising student and volunteers in the lab.

EEB is part of the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota and is one of the University’s most highly-ranked units. The department is located in the Ecology Building on the St. Paul campus, but also has two major field stations where students and faculty conduct field research. Many of the research collections of the Bell Museum are also located in the Ecology Building, and the department is an affiliated department of the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).