NOAA Research Assistant - AWRI (Adjunct Salaried)

Summary: The Annis Water Resources Institute and Grand Valley State University are seeking a research scientist to provide technical assistance on projects primarily focused on the ecology of Lake Michigan. The successful candidate would collaborate closely with NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) staff at their Lake Michigan Field Station.

The Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) is a world-class research facility situated on Muskegon Lake in Muskegon, MI, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The institute houses a dozen faculty, numerous research staff, and a robust graduate program. Located 30 miles from the main Grand Valley State University campus, AWRI maintains state-of-the-art analytical and molecular laboratories, a mesocosm facility, and two research vessels. Please visit the AWRI website (www.gvsu.edu/wri) for more information on our faculty, facilities, research programs, and educational/outreach initiatives.

Primary Duties:

• Support NOAA GLERL's long-term observations research program on Lake Michigan, with contributions to additional projects as needed

• Conduct vessel-based and shore-based fieldwork during the ice-free season, including occasional nighttime sampling and multi-day trips

• Collect biological and chemical samples in the field across a range of weather conditions

• Analyze field samples in the laboratory, including chlorophyll, zooplankton, and zoobenthos

• Process samples using microscopes, dichotomous keys, image analysis software, analytical balances, and benchtop instruments

• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and workspace to ensure operational readiness

• Manage and organize field and laboratory data using spreadsheets and project databases

• Coordinate with NOAA GLERL researchers and project team members on sampling logistics and data sharing

• Perform other duties as assigned by project leadership

Required qualifications:

• B.S. in aquatic ecology, limnology, biology, or a related field

• general lab skills to maintain safe and efficient lab operations

• comfort with spreadsheets and general data management

• flexibility and willingness to learn new skills

Preferred qualifications:

• experience with large and small research vessels

• past research experience in aquatic ecology

• plankton and benthic invertebrate identification skills

• demonstrated success working in a collaborative setting

Salary/Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $40,000

Benefits are effective on the first day of employment!

• Medical: High deductible plan with HSA or a standard PPO plan available.

• Tuition is waived for undergraduate and graduate courses!

• Work Life Program to assist in achieving a balanced life between work and personal needs

To see more: https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/adjunct-eap-staff-benefits-465.htm

How to apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact [email protected]. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Application Deadline: Application closes June 1, 2026. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.