Lake Superior Reserve Research Coordinator

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 Reserves 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 16697-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.

UW-Madisons 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.

The Extension Natural Resources Institute ( addresses todays 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.

TheLake Superior Reserveworks in partnership to improve the understanding of Lake Superiors 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.

The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary for the position is $76289 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

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 ( 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:

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills that promote positive and productive workplace and partner relationships

Education:

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:

• Resume or CV with three professional references

• Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

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 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

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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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