Fisheries Research Scientist

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

This position will coordinate and lead research activities associated with a statewide project evaluating the impacts of forward-facing sonar and emerging angling technologies on freshwater fisheries in Minnesota. Responsibilities include designing and implementing experimental angling in multiple lakes, project coordination, data management, statistical analysis, stakeholder engagement, supervision of research staff, and dissemination of research findings to scientific, management, and public audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

30% - Design and lead statewide fisheries field research and experimental angling campaigns.

• Lead planning and implementation of experimental angling studies across multiple Minnesota lakes during open-water and ice-angling seasons; coordinate field logistics, purchasing, scheduling, permitting, equipment management, safety protocols, and data collection; oversee implementation of standardized fisheries sampling and angling protocols using forward-facing sonar and conventional technologies.

25% - Quantitative analysis, modeling, and data management.

• Statistical analysis of creel data, experimental angling data. Simulation modeling of population impacts of technology on fish populations. Develop reproducible workflows in R or related software; develop and implement data management strategies in support of open science.

20% - Project management and partner coordination.

• Coordinate project activities among University researchers, Minnesota DNR personnel, fishing guides, anglers, and other collaborators; organize meetings and communication with partners; track milestones, deliverables, budgets, and reporting requirements associated with externally funded research projects.

10% - Scientific communication and dissemination.

• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, outreach materials, and scientific visualizations; communicate findings to scientific audiences, fisheries managers, tribal partners, and stakeholders through conferences, workshops, webinars, and meetings.

10% - Supervision and mentoring.

• Supervise undergraduate technicians and assist with mentoring graduate students involved in project activities; provide training in field methods, fisheries sampling, data management, scientific communication, and safety procedures.

5% - Grant development and reporting.

• Assist with proposal development, sponsor reporting, manuscript preparation, and coordination of project deliverables associated with Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF/LCCMR) and related externally funded research initiatives.

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2026

Expected End Date: 06/31/2029

Work Schedule: M-F 8:00-4:00

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Fisheries, Ecology, Limnology, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or related field with one or more years of research training.
• Demonstrated experience conducting fisheries or aquatic ecology research in field and applied management settings, including angling-based sampling methods.
• Experience coordinating complex field-based research projects involving multiple collaborators or stakeholders.
• Experience with quantitative ecological data analysis and statistical modeling using R or related software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training research staff, technicians, or students.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork under variable environmental conditions, including open-water and winter field conditions.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within Minnesota for fieldwork and partner meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Fisheries, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Experience conducting recreational fisheries research or studies involving angler behavior, fish catchability, or fisheries technology.
• Familiarity with forward-facing sonar, telemetry, sonar technologies, or fisheries electronics.
• Experience collaborating with state, tribal, or federal fisheries management agencies.
• Experience coordinating large field campaigns involving multiple lakes, seasons, and partner organizations.
• Experience developing reproducible/open-science workflows and managing large ecological datasets.
• Experience with fisheries population modeling, hierarchical modeling, and/or simulation modeling.
• Experience communicating science to anglers, fishing guides, community stakeholders, and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with outreach, extension, public engagement, or stakeholder facilitation.
• Demonstrated commitment to actionable science that informs fisheries management and conservation decisions.
• Experience mentoring students or trainees from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience contributing to externally funded grant proposals and sponsor reporting.
• Familiarity with Minnesota fisheries management systems and Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF/LCCMR) projects.

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota conducts interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach focused on the conservation and management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

This position will be housed within the Hansen Freshwater Ecology Lab, an applied fisheries and aquatic ecology research group focused on understanding how environmental change and human activities influence freshwater ecosystems and fisheries.

Pay Range: $74,880.00 - $81,993.60 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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.

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.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume

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.

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