Research Assistant

Job Title: Research Assistant
PM# TBD
JC: 8351EN
Department: 10434
Approximately 8 weeks during Summer 2026, 40 hours/week

Job Duties

Electronics and Embedded Systems (30%)

• Assemble and test SBC- and microcontroller-based monitoring systems
• Integrate sensors for temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and related environmental measurements
• Configure and troubleshoot communications hardware including cellular and IoT systems
• Assist with low-power electronics development
• Support electronics assembly, soldering, and bench testing activities

Telemetry and Data Systems (20%)

• Configure cloud-connected monitoring systems using Blues Wireless hardware and services
• Support real-time environmental data transmission and logging
• Test remote monitoring workflows and troubleshoot communications reliability
• Assist with organization and management of environmental datasets

Prototyping and Fabrication (20%)

• Assemble prototype freshwater monitoring platforms
• Support waterproof enclosure development and field deployment preparation
• Assist with CAD modeling and 3D printing of components
• Conduct laboratory and field testing of prototype systems

Educational Materials Development (20%)

• Develop instructional guides and assembly documentation for teachers
• Help create age-appropriate learning materials for middle school and high school students
• Assist in simplifying technical systems for classroom implementation
• Support development of troubleshooting guides, student activities, and field deployment instructions
• Work with project staff to align materials with STEM and environmental learning goals

Documentation and Technical Support (10%)

• Document assembly procedures and testing workflows
• Help organize technical specifications and component inventories
• Assist in preparation of materials for future educator training workshops
• Participate in project meetings and maintain project documentation as requested

Expected Deliverables

• Functional prototype freshwater monitoring systems
• Tested communications and telemetry workflows
• Sensor integration documentation
• Field-ready electronics packages
• Teacher-facing instructional materials
• Student assembly and troubleshooting guides
• Recommendations for scalable classroom implementation
• Supervisors
• Minnesota Sea Grant
• Large Lakes Observatory
• University of Minnesota Duluth engineering and applied technology collaborators

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal at least four years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of at least one year in a university science, engineering, computer science, environmental science, physics, education technology, or related program
• Experience with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, Linux systems, or Python/C++
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software systems
• Strong written communication skills
• Interest in environmental monitoring, STEM education, or applied technology development
• Experience with IoT or telemetry systems
• Sensor integration experience
• CAD or 3D printing experience
• Familiarity with GitHub or collaborative software development
• Experience with soldering or electronics assembly
• Experience developing instructional or educational materials
• Interest in freshwater science, robotics, marine technology, or STEM outreach

The University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota Sea Grant seek 2-4 temporary student engineering assistants to support development of low-cost freshwater monitoring systems for education, community-based environmental monitoring, and real-time environmental data collection applications.

Assistants will assist with rapid prototyping, electronics integration, sensor testing, telemetry systems, field deployment preparation, and development of instructional materials that help middle school and high school educators integrate environmental monitoring technology into classroom and field learning experiences.

This is an interdisciplinary applied technology position combining environmental monitoring, embedded systems, communications technology, educational technology development, and freshwater field testing.

Pay Range: $20.26 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.