The University of Minnesota seeks a Director of the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering on the Duluth campus (UMD). The LLO is a 30-year-old research institute with current research in lakes in East Africa, Asia, and North, Central, and South America, as well as in coastal ocean environments and ancient aquatic systems. We invite applications from candidates with proven leadership backgrounds in limnology, oceanography, or a related discipline. The successful candidate must have experience leading an internationally recognized program in any aspect of oceanography or large lakes research and must be committed to furthering basic research on the world’s large lakes. This is a full time 12-month leadership position with an anticipated start date in summer 2024. The Director of LLO has strategic and operational responsibility for LLO’s faculty (12), adjunct faculty (6), staff (12), students (25), and programs. LLO’s faculty hold tenured or tenure-track appointments in UMD’s Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Departments, bringing a strong interdisciplinary dimension to LLO’s research, education, and outreach. Facilities at LLO include the UNOLS vessel RV Blue Heron and world-class instrumentation centers. LLO is part of an established community in limnology at the University of Minnesota that includes Minnesota SeaGrant and the Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth. LLO scientists also work with other local governmental and non-profit environmental groups, including the Duluth EPA laboratory, and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. LLO faculty are affiliated with the Water Resources Science and the Integrated Biosciences Graduate Programs (joint Twin Cities-Duluth MS and PhD graduate programs).

The University of Minnesota Duluth is a comprehensive university of 9,000 students. We are interested in recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty to maintain the excellence of the University and to offer students interdisciplinary perspectives and varied ways of knowing and learning.

Duluth, MN is located on the western shore of Lake Superior, and features hundreds of miles of skiing, running, hiking, and biking trails, along with varied and numerous breweries, restaurants, and cultural activities.

Applications must be submitted at https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs (job ID 358208). Complete applications include the online application, cover letter, and resume/CV, plus additional documents as follows:

(1) List of three references,

(2) Diversity statement, and

(3) Research statement

If accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at UMD by the start date. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information. Review of applications will begin on December 4, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Minor (eminor@d.umn.edu).