Position Summary
The Decision Analysis and Support Lab (Department of Fisheries and Wildlife) is seeking a motivated Research Assistant II to support a research project that informs an experimental reintroduction of Cisco into Lake Erie.
The successful candidate will:
- Oversee and coordinate structured decision-making process for Cisco restoration in Lake Erie. This includes organizing equipment, coordinating communication with collaborators, setting up travel logistics, develop meeting materials, and handling other project related aspects as they arise.
- Responsible for conducting statistical analysis, preparing and editing reports, articles and manuscripts for publication.
- Research current literature as it relates to Cisco restoration and the effective and productive implementation of the Coregonine Restoration Framework.
- Assist with writing and submitting applications for animal use and human research and ensure compliance with those permits.
- Participate in presentations during workshops, meetings, and conferences.
- Support coordination of other research projects within the Decision Analysis and Support Lab as needed.
The selected candidate must have a valid operator's license as they will be required to drive university vehicles.
The position will be supervised by Dr. Marjorie ‘Mauri’ Liberati, while working closely with partners from the Great Lakes Science Center, New York Department of Conservation, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This position is an excellent opportunity to engage with agency professionals across the Great Lakes basin.
The preferred work location for this position is East Lansing, MI, with travel to in-person workshops in northern New York and Pennsylvania covered by project funding. While we would prefer candidates who are willing to be located in southern Michigan, we are willing to discuss remote work arrangements.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related decision analysis or natural resources management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The selected candidate must have a valid operator's license as they will be required to drive university vehicles.
Desired Qualifications
- M.S. degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, Ecology, or related field by the anticipated start date.
- Excellent writing and personal communication skills and demonstrated desire and ability to publish peer-reviewed literature.
- Excellent organizational skills and experience coordinating and facilitating collaborative meetings or workshops.
- Experience working collaboratively with state and federal agencies to design and conduct analyses that inform natural resources management, particularly for fisheries.
- Experience facilitating decision analysis processes, ideally Structured Decision Making.
- Strong quantitative skills, particularly in the areas of decision analysis and fisheries management.
- Ability to adapt mode and style of communications to connect with audiences.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter (2-page maximum) describing how your interests, background, and professional experience match the position description,
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information of 3 professional references.
Special Instructions
Remote work is an option, but in-person is preferred. If a remote work schedule is agreed upon, the candidate must be willing to travel to in-person workshops (travel supported will be provided by a grant).
Questions regarding this position can be sent to Dr. Mauri Liberati, the supervisor and project PI, at libera22@msu.edu.
The Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC) was established in 2005 to provide a research, outreach, service, and teaching program that contributes to greater capacity within fishery management agencies. The QFC focuses on developing and applying quantitative methods for assessing fish stocks, assisting agencies that use model-based approaches in decision making, and improving understanding of fish community and population dynamics. The QFC is supported by Michigan State University, Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and several state, provincial, and tribal agencies with fishery management jurisdiction over the Great Lakes. In 2018, the QFC received the Besadny Award from the GLFC for outstanding work to enhance understanding of Great Lakes fisheries, an understanding gained by emphasizing the use of quantitative tools in teaching, outreach, and research, and by serving as a trusted partner and recognized leader both within and outside the Great Lakes basin.
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position with funded for at least 2 years from date of hire with extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends December 16, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.
