Note: This position has a preferred candidate. Qualified applicants will still be reviewed. 

Applications should include (1) a cover letter addressing your specific interest in the position and relevant experience and qualifications; (2) CV; (3) a personal statement describing your vision and plans for GLANSIS (3-page maximum); and (5) a list of three academic references with contact information.

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values

As the Assistant Research Scientist for Michigan Sea Grant's Great Lakes Invasive Species Inventory System (MISG GLANSIS), you will partner with the MI Sea Grant faculty leadership to provide dedicated program leadership and oversee accurate and engaging public-facing data collection and reporting systems. Serving as the primary point of contact for internal and external partners, you will supervise a team of two full-time staff members and seek ongoing opportunities for funding and scholarly engagement with Great Lakes communities for invasion biology research.

Program Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for GLANSIS in partnership with Michigan Sea Grant faculty, including budget development, project reporting, content quality-control protocols, and internal and external reviews.
• Supervise and mentor two full-time staff members and student employees, and organize or support searches for staff and fellowship candidates.
• Develop proposals and statements of work to sustain GLANSIS funding and operations, and prepare reports and analyses for funders and partner agencies.

• Serve as the primary contact for key operational partners and federal, state, Tribal, regional, and local natural-resource management audiences, including the U.S.Geological 

  Survey, 

  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species.

Research Activities

• Lead grant development and management for non Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, working with research administrators to diversify funding sources.
• Lead and contribute to invasion-biology research as a primary or contributing author, including reviewing scientific literature and developing outreach materials and scholarly manuscripts.
• Plan and secure support for student and fellow research projects; organize, analyze, and synthesize data into species-specific templates, assessments, and profiles.
• Oversee data entry, analysis, and quality assurance; maintain quality-control standards and beta-test database interface updates.

• Ph.D. in systems ecology, invasion biology or a related field
• 6 or more years experience in invasion biology and invasive species management
• Demonstrated experience overseeing and maintaining database management systems
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research on Great Lakes policy

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.