Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator
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Opening at: Jan 7 2026 - 11:00pm CST
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Closing at: Jan 29 2026 - 11:00pm CST
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Scientist III
Job Summary:
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 and understanding of freshwater systems, including the St. Louis River Estuary and coastal Lake Superior. Research focus areas range across applied and foundational topics, which may include estuarine water quality dynamics, the emergence of harmful algal blooms, wetland and restoration sciences, impacts of and response to invasive species, and emerging climate stressors and response. The coordinator engages in collaborative coastal science nationally with partners in the National Estuarine Research Reserve system.
The Research Coordinator collaborates with a wide range of partners, including Tribal Nations and local communities, to advance shared research priorities. They coordinate with the Reserve’s stewardship, monitoring, training and education programs to develop programming, identify emerging issues, and disseminate results. They may instruct in an undergraduate environmental science major on a bi-annual basis depending on funding and partnerships. They supervise and mentor research staff, fellows and interns and develop and manage funding applications to advance research of interest.
Based on the St. Louis River Estuary in Superior, WI, the Lake Superior Reserve is one of 30 reserves in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system. The Reserve is a part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension (Extension) and is supported through a network of innovative regional partnerships. The position is a part of the Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute. The primary accountability relationship for the research coordinator is the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve director.
The Reserve is in Superior, Wisconsin, an area with ample outdoor recreation opportunities, cultural and civic events, and innovative university and public-school options. The successful candidate will be part of a supportive and collaborative team that includes eleven full-time staff and several interns, graduate and undergraduate researchers and fellows annually.
Based at the headwaters of the Great Lakes, the Reserve provides an established waterfront analytical laboratory, well equipped on-site vessels and work vehicle, and the 16,697-acre living laboratory within Reserve boundaries.
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Limited remote work may be possible if arranged and approved in advance.
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization.
Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance
Ability to traverse over uneven terrain outdoors and on boats
Ability to work outside occasionally in cold, hot, or wet conditions
Key Job Responsibilities:
Support program integration at the Reserve through collaboration with the monitoring, stewardship, coastal training and education programs, with Reserve partners, and within the National Estuarine Research Reserve system
- Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities
- Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
Instruct and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in topics relevant to this position
- Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
- Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding
- May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues
- Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
- Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research
Department:
UW-Madison’s Division of Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts.
About the Institute
The Extension Natural Resources Institute (https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/) addresses today's critical environmental issues, particularly the sustainable management of food, water, and energy, by using collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches grounded in an understanding of human interactions with resources. We leverage our diverse team of researchers and outreach specialists to provide science-based information and education, embodying the Wisconsin Idea through extensive partnerships. Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that benefit our shared natural resources through a variety of programs.
About the Program
The Lake Superior Reserve works in partnership to improve the understanding of Lake Superior's coast and estuaries. The Reserve integrates research, education, outreach, and stewardship to address opportunities and issues affecting the watershed, aiming to celebrate and honor ancestral Anishinaabe land and the sacred lands of all Indigenous peoples throughout their work and partnerships. Based on the St. Louis River Estuary in Superior, WI, the Lake Superior Reserve is one of 30 reserves in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
Compensation:
The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary for the position is $76,289 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/)
Required Qualifications:
At least five years in a research leadership role including project planning, budget management, field work, analysis and science communication/publication.
Experience providing supervision and/or direct mentoring to research staff and technicians, undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers or fellows.
Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
Record of success leading collaborative and end-user driven research and transferring research results across interdisciplinary settings including land or water conservation, management or restoration.
Training in or demonstrated knowledge of estuarine and wetland science and/or the ecological setting of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes.
Demonstrated success developing and managing collaborative research grants and budgets
Evidence of successful publication and presentations that advance research dissemination
Experience designing and teaching undergraduate or graduate level courses
Education:
Required Education
Master’s degree in a field that closely relates to the responsibilities of this position.
Preferred Education
PhD in a field that closely relates to the responsibilities of this position
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background as it relates to this position. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
For additional guidance and resources on how to tailor your application materials to the job posting, please click https://extension.wisc.edu/careers/.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline is Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (CST).
Contact Information:
Deanna Erickson
(715) 399-4086
deanna.erickson@wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
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Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
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