Research Specialist

Job Details

Research Specialist
Milwaukee, WI
JR10010970

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Position Title:
Research Specialist

Job Category:
Academic Staff

Employment Type:
Regular

Job Profile:
Research Specialist

Job 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).

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