Research Specialist/Sr. Research Specialist
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - DFWI | Posted Mar 4, 2026
Deadline: Apr 2, 2026
- Contact:
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- Experience Level:
- Entry Level
- Link to Apply:
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Is seeking to hire a motivated full-time Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist working on The Jefferson Project at Chautauqua Lake. The Jefferson Project was founded as a multi-disciplinary collaboration between RPI, IBM, and the Lake George Association. It expanded to Chautauqua Lake in 2020 with a partnership with the Chautauqua Institution. The Project emphasizes a sophisticated technological approach to studying freshwater and lakes, in particular. A central goal of the Project is to understand the impact of human activity on freshwater and how to mitigate those effects.
This position will be based out of Fredonia, New York, supervised by Dr. Allison Hrycik, with field work on Chautauqua Lake and its surrounding tributaries and in collaboration with colleagues at Rensselaer, SUNY Fredonia, and elsewhere. An initial main focus of research will be characterizing nutrient loading via streams. This position will also provide multi-disciplinary support to multiple aspects of the project, including conducting sampling surveys, maintaining a network of sensors on and around Chautauqua Lake, assisting with research activities and laboratory work, and potentially traveling to other lakes and field sites in the region. Occasional trips to the Darrin Freshwater Institute in Bolton Landing, New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York will be expected.
Duties:
• Conduct field surveys using standard limnological and hydrological field equipment, primarily on tributaries to Chautauqua Lake
• Assist with laboratory analyses of water samples, including water quality samples
• Calibrate, deploy, and maintain environmental sensors
• Maintain accurate records and conform to data management standards
• Contribute to data quality assurance and checking as part of overall data management and publication efforts
• Assist with research activities such as data analysis and report and manuscript preparation
Education: Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resources, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience/skills desired:
• Experience conducting field work in streams, especially constructing rating curves
• Basic laboratory experience is required; familiarity with water chemistry and/or stream gauging is preferred
• Experience deploying, using, and calibrating environmental sensors (e.g., water quality sondes, weather stations, auto samplers, etc.)
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Knowledge of boat safety as well as some operating/trailering experience is a plus
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, and common statistical approaches
• Programming experience preferred, but not required
• A willingness to troubleshoot and own complex problems in the field and in the lab
• Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions
• Occasional travel to other lakes as well as meetings and conferences
Some experience with small electronics/basic wiring and knowledge of basic electrical engineering principles
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs
To Apply: Apply at https://careers.rpi.edu/en-us/job/495508/energy-environment-and-sustainability-researchers. Review of applications will begin on Thursday April 2nd, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions: Please email Allison Hrycik at email hidden; JavaScript is required with questions. Please see https://dfwi.rpi.edu/ for more information on the Darrin Freshwater Institute.
Anticipated salary: Applicants to this position may be considered for either a Research Specialist title or Senior Research Specialist title depending on skills, qualifications, and education. The salary range for a Research Specialist is $37,500 to $55,000 and the salary range for a Senior Research Specialist is $62,354 to $66,000. Rensselaer also offers a generous benefits package with excellent healthcare, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits.