NatCap TEEMs Senior Scientist

Job Details

About the Job

The NatCap TEEMs (Natural Capital Alliance: The Earth–Economy Modelers) at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a short-term Researcher position to support an applied research project on the economics of protecting Manoomin (wild rice) waters.

This role focuses on developing an integrated ecological-economic modeling framework to evaluate tradeoffs among industrial activities, water quality, and ecosystem service provision in the Upper Great Lakes region. The position is deliverable-driven and time-bound, emphasizing technical execution, modeling, and synthesis aligned with project milestones.

The Researcher will contribute to a broader interdisciplinary effort examining how sulfate and mercury pollution impact ecosystems, cultural values, and economic outcomes, and how alternative mitigation strategies can be evaluated through integrated modeling approaches.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The Economics of Protection of Manoomin (Wild Rice) Waters: Quantifying Tradeoffs Among Industry and Ecosystem Service Provision

The Researcher will contribute to a structured research agenda focused on:

• Developing an integrated ecological-economic model to assess tradeoffs between environmental quality and economic development
• Evaluating sulfate pollution impacts on aquatic ecosystems and associated ecosystem services
• Assessing remediation strategies, including:
  • Phytoremediation
  • Bioremediation
  • Industrial abatement technologies (e.g., reverse osmosis)
• Conducting cost-benefit and systems-based analysis of intervention scenarios
• Supporting spatial and multi-objective optimization approaches to inform policy-relevant decisions

This work contributes to advancing science-based policy by explicitly analyzing tradeoffs among environmental, industrial, and social objectives in natural resource systems.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ecological-Economic Modeling (30%)
   • Develop and refine biophysical models of sulfate dynamics using system-based approaches
   • Integrate ecological processes with economic valuation frameworks
   • Support development of integrated modeling tools linking water quality, ecosystem services, and economic outcomes
2. Economic Analysis (20%)
   • Design and implement cost-benefit analysis frameworks
   • Estimate costs and benefits of alternative remediation strategies
   • Evaluate tradeoffs across different policy and management scenarios
3. Systems Integration (10%)
   • Integrate biophysical and economic components into a unified modeling framework
   • Support the development of scenario-based and systems-level analysis
   • Contribute to modeling from both social planner and market perspectives
4. Research Synthesis & Outputs (30%)
   • Conduct literature reviews on:
     • Mercury and sulfate cycling
     • Remediation technologies
     • Ecological-economic modeling approaches
   • Contribute to:
     • Technical reports
     • Figures and analytical outputs
     • Peer-reviewed manuscript preparation
5. Project Coordination & Documentation (10%)
   • Provide regular progress updates aligned with project milestones
   • Document methods, assumptions, and modeling workflows
   • Ensure reproducibility and transparency of analytical outputs

Deliverables and Timeline

The Researcher will contribute to the following milestone-based outputs:

• Month 1: Literature synthesis and model scoping
• Month 2: Development of biophysical (sulfate dynamics) model
• Month 3: Cost-benefit framework and preliminary analysis
• Month 4: Integration of ecological and economic components
• Month 5: Final model outputs and manuscript contribution

These deliverables align with the structured scope of work and project timeline defined for the Manoomin research initiative.

Supervision

The position will be supervised by Steve Polasky, with coordination across interdisciplinary collaborators.

Supervision will focus on:

• Technical guidance and model development
• Alignment with project deliverables
• Integration with broader research objectives

Appointment Terms

• Duration: 4–5 months (temporary, non-tenure track or contract-based)
• Renewal: No automatic renewal; subject to funding and approvals
• Location: Remote (with access to UMN MSI and shared systems)
• Work Structure: Deliverable-based, aligned with milestone schedule

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in:
  • Environmental economics
  • Natural resource economics
  • Environmental science
  • Ecology
  • Systems modeling or related field
• One or more years of research training
• Experience with quantitative modeling and analysis
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar programming tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to deliver high-quality outputs within defined timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • Ecological-economic or integrated assessment modeling
  • Cost-benefit analysis or valuation methods
  • Water quality or hydrological systems
• Familiarity with:
  • System dynamics modeling
  • Spatial or optimization modeling approaches
• Experience in interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:

$92,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type:

Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

The application review process will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit their full application, including:

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter outlining their research vision for this position
• Name and contact information of 1-2 professional references