Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. Applications should include (1) a cover letter addressing your specific interest in the position and relevant experience and qualifications; (2) CV; (3) a personal statement describing your vision and plans for research (3-page maximum); (4) a statement on your previous work on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) and/or how you would contribute to DEIJ work as a SEAS/MISG Research Scientist (1-page maximum); and (5) a list of three academic references with contact information.

To apply, submit application materials as a single file uploaded with your application.

Review of applications will begin on December 14. 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

For assistance or further information, please contact Silvia Newell, Director of MIchigan Sea Grant at senewell@umich.edu.

Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) is looking for a full-time Research Scientist to manage the MISG Omnibus research grant portfolio from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Reporting to the Director of MISG, you will support the administrative, financial, and research functions of the organization, manage research program staff in Ann Arbor, MI, and coordinate efforts across a variety of federal, state, and local organizations. You will oversee the biannual Request for Proposals (RFP) process that includes developing the RFP and administering the peer-reviewed grants processes of MISG.

You will also serve as a Principal Investigator on external competitive grants and coordinate multi-investigator proposals for external MISG projects to obtain support and conduct independent research relevant to the MISG Strategy. You will have autonomy to develop an independent research program making up approximately 25% of your responsibilities.

US Citizenship Language
This position is open only to US Citizens or permanent residents due to federal security clearance required for access to NOAA GLERL facilities and resources.

MISG Research Program Management

• Develop, manage and oversee a competitive biannual RFP including a rigorous proposal review process free from conflict of interest
• Serve on the MISG Management Team and network with an external advisory board as well as federal, state, local, and NGO partners to determine research priorities and opportunities
• Provide leadership and policy development for MISG in collaboration with the Director
• Provide budgetary oversight for all MISG funded research projects
• Facilitate reporting and communication efforts for all MISG funded research activities
• Assist with developing a strategic planning process to improve and expand MISG research programs and resources
• Work with the MISG Management Team to identify research opportunities and direction.
• Recruit a diverse pool of fellowship and research applicants and proposal review participants
• Oversee MI Sea Grant summer internship program competition
• Coordinate MISG research activities with MISG Extension at Michigan State University and with the external advisory board
• Maintain oversight over all MISG research program activities to assure program integrity and effectiveness
• Collaborate with the MISG Communications team to facilitate knowledge transfer and dissemination of research results broadly

External Research Oversight

• Pursue research opportunities in coastal resilience that contribute to the overall vision of MISG and to expand its research agenda
• Prepare and submit proposals for external funding
• Provide budgetary oversight for externally funded projects
• Prepare and submit progress and final reports for externally funded research projects
• Hire and manage staff to fulfill the needs of externally funded research projects

Independent Research Program 

• Develop an extramurally funded research portfolio to support your research and the work of MISG

• A completed Ph.D with a focus on coastal resilience or related topics and a proven record of research accomplishments
• Academic background in ecology, biology, geology, limnology, oceanography, economics, education, policy, social science, or spatial analysis preferred.
• Ability to create, manage and objectively evaluate proposals in response to biannual Requests for Proposals (RFP's)
• Experience with managing research projects, especially those that involve cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Experience with developing networks and research contacts, preferably in the Great Lakes region, including local and state government contacts
• Evidence of publishable papers and hypothesis oriented research used for fundable grant applications
• Experience presenting scientific findings in written and oral formats
• Willingness to travel locally and nationally

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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