MW CASC Research Assistant

The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is an interdisciplinary institution that works to accelerate sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest communications. IonE has an extensive and diverse portfolio of externally-funded projects, one of which is the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (MW CASC). The MW CASC is a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and a Consortium of regional partners, hosted by IonE. Together, members of the MW CASC produce science to help the Midwest's natural and cultural resource managers adapt to a changing climate.

IonE seeks a full-time Research Assistant who will provide research and administrative support to interdisciplinary climate adaptation projects related to climate adaptation. While being part of the MW CASC team, you will also have the opportunity and responsibility to participate in the IonE community by attending monthly all-staff meetings, contributing your skills across IonE when requested, and being part of a robust team guided by IonE's Strategic Plan. The Research Assistant is supported by external funding and reports to the MW CASC Program Manager.

The ideal candidate will be resourceful, proactive, creative, organized, and enjoy being an integral part of a research team. You must be exceptionally detail-oriented and able to professionally support projects, deadlines, and deliverables that include crucial relationships with our partners. In this role, you'll...

• Support a collaborative research network of scientists, staff, postdoctoral scholars, students, and partners working on a variety of projects
• Contribute to the implementation of MW CASC activities, including the Annual Gathering, knowledge exchanges, undergraduate internship experiences, and other virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
• Assist with tracking research activities and maintaining project workflows and documentation

You might thrive in this role if you enjoy collaborating with a variety of people and teams, find satisfaction in working on both short- and longer-term tasks, and you find value in working towards a more sustainable future.

The pay for this full-time, 1-year temporary position has a salary range of $44,946 - $48,000, with UMN civil service employee group benefits, and considers pay equity and parity within IonE and across the University system. This position is funded by external sources; therefore, continuation beyond 1 year is dependent upon funding availability as well as successful performance reviews. Our offices are in St. Paul, MN, and you will be eligible to work remotely 1-2 days per week, in accordance with our flexible work guidelines. This position requires occasional work outside of regular hours, in order to support IonE and MW CASC events and convenings. Occasional overnight travel is expected. Anticipated start date is June 1, 2025.

The application period will close on Monday, May 5th at 11:59 p.m. Application review will be rolling until filled, with the first review on/around April 30, 2025. Please ensure you submit all of the below requested materials; incomplete applications will not be considered. We are looking for you to efficiently communicate relevant and/or transferable skills and experience, based on the listed job requirements and qualifications, that would make you a stellar candidate for this position. Please ensure you submit all the materials requested below as 4 separate PDF documents:

1. A cover letter that describes your qualifications including your experience working with professional teams;
2. Resume;
3. One example of a work product you created that could be relevant to this job (e.g., meeting logistics, professional correspondence, research workflow) with a description of what you led in the development of the product vs. other team members; and,
4. Contact information for at least 2 references (i.e., name, title, organization; URL to biographical sketch or similar; address, phone number, and email address; and relationship to the candidate). References will not be contacted until final candidates have been identified, and you will be notified before contacting references.

Questions or barriers to submitting an application? Email mwcasc@umn.edu. We recognize that applying takes effort, and we look forward to reading and reviewing your materials.

The duties listed below are not exhaustive and may evolve and shift with organizational and programmatic priorities; percentages represent expected averages over several weeks instead of a strict week-to-week allocation of time. As an IonE staff member, work is expected to incorporate community norms and explore creative administrative solutions that support and integrate IonE and MW CASC values and goals.

Research Project Support - 40%

• Assist with tracking research activities and deliverables and maintaining project workflows and documentation
• Assist with tasks related to external partnerships, such as supporting cross-functional teams with organized documentation
• Assist in coordination of research financial transactions, including making purchases, processing payments, and maintaining expense records
• Support time-sensitive tasks as assigned by the MW CASC Program Manager
  

Research Communications and Event Support - 40%

• Assist with planning and logistics for MW CASC virtual, hybrid, and in-person events and activities, both locally and regionally, including drafting agendas, running technology, and corresponding with speakers and attendees
• Prepare physical and digital materials to support team members' participation in meetings, conferences, and research activities
• Support the MW CASC Communications Manager on communications components of research products and activities
  

Program Coordination - 10%

• Front-of-house presence to support a welcoming and accessible MW CASC research office for employees and guests
• Coordinate team meetings, including scheduling, making agendas, taking notes, and following up on action items, as needed
• Arrange occasional travel and process reimbursements
  

Professional Development & Other - 10%

• Follow research support trends and develop your skills, and bring your insights and ideas back to your team, work, in support of career development goals
• Participate in IonE community activities
• Work with IonE administrative staff, as needed
• Other duties as assigned

This role will be performed in person on the St. Paul campus with the opportunity for remote/virtual work approximately 1-2 days per week. IonE offices and meeting spaces are accessible, and the building has accessible gendered restrooms on-site. Non-gendered restrooms are accessible through the tunnel system, but would not be considered convenient for regular daily use.

• BA/BS or a combination of education and work experience equal to four years
• Academic or work background in an environmental-related field
• Demonstrated strong written communication skills and experience in composing and editing different kinds of communications (e.g., drafting project reports, group correspondence, web content, social media posts) and the ability to send and respond to professional emails
• Mid-level proficiency in the suite of Google & Microsoft applications; e.g., Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, MS Word, and MS Excel and willingness to learn research tools (e.g., Qualtrics) and adopt project management systems (e.g., Basecamp) and norms
• Demonstrated ability to successfully multitask and organize responsibilities with a high degree of detail and accountability
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing, promoting, and/or advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts
• An ability and willingness to complete required training on UMN systems in a timely manner

• Experience in supporting the various stages of multidisciplinary research projects
• Experience in science communications
• Relevant experience in supporting a higher education unit or related organization with regard to business procedures, policies, and processes
• Familiarity with accounting, financial, and sponsored projects processes
• Experience supporting organized workflows or tracking projects
• Able to work independently and problem-solve on routine tasks and ask for guidance when needed
• Adaptability, desire to find creative solutions, and a results-oriented attitude
• Ability to project a professional demeanor in a variety of situations and settings
  

The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institution that works to advance sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest storytelling and communications.

Pay Range: $44,946 - $48,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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).