New

Research Technician

Michigan Technological University

United States, Michigan, Houghton

1400 Townsend Drive (Show on map)

Jul 22, 2025

Department: Great Lakes Research Center

Summary	Michigan Technological University is seeking a Research Technician who will support a variety of field- and lab-based research projects at the Great Lakes Research Center. This position involves planning and executing aquatic field operations, piloting AUVs and ROVs, deploying buoys and other sensors, and contributing to data collection and processing across all five Great Lakes. The technician will work closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to fulfill project goals and ensure safe and effective data acquisition.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties	1. Conduct aquatic field sampling using traditional and advanced technologies including AUVs, ROVs, drop cameras, multibeam sonar, and water quality instruments. 2. Perform pre- and post-mission planning, setup, and data processing for autonomous vehicle deployments. 3. Travel to and from field sites, often trailering and operating small vessels in Great Lakes conditions. 4. Assist in lab-based sample processing including fish dissection, water filtration, and imagery analysis. 5. Communicate with partners and stakeholders regarding data needs and project deliverables. Participate in research facility maintenance and asset management.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures	B.S. in Fisheries, Water Sciences, or related field
Required Experience	* Minimum of 5 years of experience as a research technician or similar position * Lab and field experience * Experience with data collection in the Great Lakes region and with aquatic sampling methods * Experience with buoy deployments
Desirable Education and/or Experience	* Experience publishing environmental datasets and novel findings.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities	* ROV and AUV piloting experience * Ability to tow and operate small vessels
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities	* Ability to travel for field work * Demonstrated success in working with persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands	WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment	Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 3 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department. Required University Training: * Employee Safety Overview * Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training * Annual Data Security Training * Annual Title IX Training Background Check: Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)	1.0
FLSA Status	Exempt
Pay Rate/Salary	Negotiable based on experience
Title of Position Supervisor	Senior Research Engineer, GLRC
Posting Type	Internal & External
Dependent on Funding	Yes

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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.

Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.