Ecological Design Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

About the Job Summary:
Early-career postdoctoral researcher specializing in forest ecology, carbon dynamics, hydrology, and biomass accounting within managed forests with experience working in threatened ecosystems, including peatlands and black ash forests. The primary purpose of this position is to evaluate ecosystem resilience, carbon storage, and hydrologic responses to climate change, natural disturbances, and forest management interventions. Key competencies for success include field sampling, experimental design, spatial and hydrologic modeling, statistical analysis, high-impact technical publishing, and collaborative proposal development. In support of NRRIs mission to deliver applied science and sustainable natural resource solutions, this role provides science-backed decision support to optimize forest management prioritization and climate adaptation strategies across vulnerable landscapes.  Decisions are guided by policies, procedures, and project frameworks; and receive guidance and oversight from Principal Investigator / Manager. 
Location and Work Environment:
The primary work location for this position will be Duluth, Minnesota. Hybrid and remote work options are possible depending on the hire and project needs. 
Work Schedule:
Standard business hours with occasional non-traditional hours, extended days, or weekend work required during intensive field sampling seasons or project travel. 
Job Duties:
1. Develop, Design, and Oversee the Execution of Complex Research Tasks and Projects (50%)
Design, plan, and lead research tasks examining carbon storage, biomass dynamics, wetland hydrology, and vegetation responses to climate change and management in peatlands and black ash forests.
Oversee quality control, integration, and collection of field and laboratory datasets (e.g., tree growth, soil/water chemistry, greenhouse gas fluxes, microclimate).
Define and execute research tasks in accordance with organizational safety protocols and field safety guidelines.
Collaborate with regional agencies, tribal partners, and natural resource managers to provide science-backed performance recommendations for forest management prioritization.
2. Data Synthesis, Scientific Publication & Product Development (25%)
Synthesize, analyze, and interpret complex ecological, hydrologic, and carbon accounting datasets using advanced statistical methods.
Lead and co-author high-impact manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Draft comprehensive technical reports, executive summaries, and decision-support products for management agencies and project collaborators.
Translate research findings into accessible communication products, data visualizations, and scientific presentations for dissemination at conferences and sponsor meetings.
3. Applied Sustainability, Climate Resilience & Decision Support (20%)
Evaluate management strategies for forest climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, and watershed protection.
Conduct ecological, hydrologic, or biomass simulations and spatial analyses to model long-term forest dynamics under climate change scenarios.
Discuss and plan novel avenues of ecological investigation to address emerging climate threats to forest health and ecosystem services.
4. Field Stewardship, Laboratory Operations & Mentorship (5%)
Maintain field instrumentation, hydrologic monitoring equipment, and laboratory devices.
Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety documentation for field crews and laboratory settings.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.
 

Required Qualifications:
Terminal degree (PhD) in Forest Ecology, Natural Resource Science, Ecosystem Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Forestry, or a closely related field (completed prior to start date).
Demonstrated research background in forest carbon accounting, biomass assessment, plant community ecology, or forest hydrology.
Record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced experience with field data collection in threatened ecosystems, forested wetlands, or peatlands.  
Demonstrated proficiency with statistical computing (e.g., R, Python) and spatial analysis software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).  
Experience with carbon stock accounting methods, biomass modeling, or hydrologic monitoring techniques.  
Demonstrated engagement with multi-agency partners or forest resource managers to support landscape prioritization, climate resilience, and applied forestry decisions.  
Prior experience contributing to competitive research proposals.

Physical / Environmental Demands:
The majority of work will be office-based. However, depending on funding and project scope, field work may require conducting strenuous field research in remote outdoor environments and wetland conditions (e.g., peatlands, black ash swamps) under varying weather conditions. Physical demands include navigating off-trail terrain, carrying field equipment (up to 40 lbs), operating field instrumentation, and exposure to insect vectors, extreme weather, or remote field living conditions.

About NRRI:
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesotas natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.
NRRIs mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

Pay Range: $29.92 per hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

50% time appointment

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.