Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

The Darrin Freshwater Institute (DFWI) is a multidisciplinary environmental research center of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute dedicated to understanding the structure and function of aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems. Our primary research focus is on the ecological consequences of environmental perturbations due to human activities in the Northeastern United States.  Margaret A. and David M. Darrin '40 Fresh Water Institute | Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI) (rpi.edu)

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Darrin Fresh Water Institute (DFWI) Sr. Research Specialist, reporting to the Director and Associate Director of DFWI, will support and empower research, education, and outreach activities based at the Darrin Freshwater Institute, including facilitating research led by Rensselaer faculty and faculty from other universities, collaborate and assist with laboratory and field research activities, and support the growth of research activities at the field station. The Senior Research Specialist will have responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of the field station, including managing facilities and assets (boats, trucks, trailers, and other equipment) as well as contractor relationships, ordering, invoicing and paying bills, safety and compliance, and dealing with emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Ecology and/or Environmental Science or a related discipline

Five (5) or more years in field research or closely related experience

Valid us driver license required 

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience conducting or assisting with field and laboratory ecology and/or environmental research studies
• Knowledge of basic types of research, education, and outreach conducted at DFWI, including in ecology and environmental science
• Proficient with computer networks and software including Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Google calendars and surveys
• Ability to maintain organization and manage budgets, equipment and room scheduling, purchasing, buildings and grounds needs and tasks, outside vendors, and other tasks as needed
• Familiarity with common building and facility site operations, including the maintenance needs and operations of a research and education field station including basic knowledge of buildings, vehicles, boats, and other assets.
• Responsive to requests from supervisors, other staff, students, faculty, and collaborating individuals from outside organizations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Collegial and collaborative
• Ability to conduct bidding and vendor relations
• Ability to maintain a healthy and safe working environment

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: 

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience will be considered at a hiring range of $60-65K
• Candidates with an advanced degree and extensive experience with field stations operations and/or research leadership will be considered for a hiring range up to $78K

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.