Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

The West Lab at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is seeking a full-time (Researcher 4 8354RG) to work with several research projects in wildlife ecology and conservation, including those with a focus on bioacoustic monitoring. The position will be based in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology and the Research Project Manager will be supervised by Dr. Elena West.

Research in the West Lab focuses on the ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife, with an emphasis on North American birds. Current projects address how human activities shape the behavior, movement, and population dynamics of (largely) terrestrial animals and emphasize the development of innovative methods to study species of conservation concern. We use field data, bioacoustic monitoring, spatial analyses, community science data, and quantitative approaches to provide applied outcomes for pressing conservation issues.

The Research Project Manager will contribute to all components of the lab's research, with an emphasis on the Bioacoustics for Broadscale Species Monitoring and Conservation project. The successful candidate will co-lead the project's community science recruitment, training, coordination, as well as manage acoustic recording unit (ARU) inventory, lending, and data management. Responsibilities will also include sampling design, project coordination and communication with partners and volunteers, field data collection, data management/analysis, reporting to funders and external partners, preparation of manuscripts, and grant writing. This individual will also support graduate and undergraduate student researchers and research infrastructure (e.g., field vehicles, equipment, physical lab space).

Competitive candidates will ideally have diverse professional work experience including conducting research, supporting and facilitating project management processes, and relevant administrative or research experience that positions them to be able to proactively and creatively develop and coordinate programmatic workflows given initial onboarding.

Responsibilities

Develops and executes protocols and procedures for field and lab work as part of research projects (40%)

• Duties include purchasing equipment and supplies, recruiting community science volunteers, promoting the Bioacoustics project via various media outlets, assisting with the maintenance of a project website, training and supervising volunteers, students and staff, creating training material for community science volunteers (including How-to videos and workshops on ARU setup and sound file upload as well as updating procedure documents), coordination of community science volunteer communication and ARU lending (mailing ARUs and equipment to volunteers, collecting and organizing equipment once returned).

Assists with data management, analysis, and interpretation for multiple research projects (20%)

• Duties include compiling data from multiple sources into a usable and cohesive format, quality control on these data, using R to extract, analyze, share, and visualize data, Identifying and applying appropriate analytical methods in consultation with supervisor, analyzing data and interpreting results, and communicating findings via presentations and written materials.

General support of and assistance with lab group operations (15%)

• Ensuring adherence to regulatory and safety requirements for lab and field work, including obtaining necessary permits, coordinating with the University Animal Use and Care Committee, developing trainings on field/lab equipment, and ensuring that all lab members are up to date on required trainings.

Assists with preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts, included as co-author (15%)
Assists with preparation and submission of grant proposals and grants management (10%)

Pay Range: $31.25 per hour ($65,000/annually) - $33.66 per hour ($70,012.80/annually) depending on education/qualifications/experience.

This is a 2-year position with potential for extension based on performance and available funding. There are opportunities to learn more advanced skills on the job; for eligibility in the higher end of the range, demonstrated skills across the core principal duties would be expected.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field and at least 5 years of related experience with project management specific to this field OR a Master's degree and 3 years of related experience OR a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least 9 years.
• Experience with data management and analysis (including spreadsheets, data visualization, and the statistical software R)
• Organizational and time management skills
• Care and attention to detail in field, laboratory, and computer-based research
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific and technical concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Enthusiasm for science communication and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including non-academic audiences and community science volunteers
• Valid U.S. state driver's license
• Ability to work long hours outside and in inclement weather conditions
• Willingness to travel for work for several days at a time (some weekend work required)
• Ability to safely work in rugged field environments, including driving and hiking

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field
• Experience recruiting, training, and retaining citizen volunteers/community scientists and/or teaching adults or youth
• Prior experience working in bioacoustics and/or wildlife ecology
• Experience writing scientific manuscripts
• Experience preparing proposals for research funding
• Experience with field collection methods for birds, including mist nets and traps
• Prior experience working with large datasets
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including academics and non-academics
• Ability to safely operate 4-wheel drive vehicles

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources is made up of approximately 20 faculty, 40 staff, 60 graduate students, 250 undergraduates, 1200 alumni, and supporters who work together to advance our knowledge of fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology.

Pay Range: $31.25 per hour ($65,000/annually) - $33.66 per hour ($70,012.80/annually) depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

This is a 2-year position with potential for extension based on performance and available funding. There are opportunities to learn more advanced skills on the job; for eligibility in the higher end of the range, demonstrated skills across the core principal duties would be expected.

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

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).