Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is seeking a motivated full-time Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist to work on The Jefferson Project at Lake George, a multi-disciplinary collaboration between RPI, IBM, and the Lake George Association. This initiative employs advanced technology to study freshwater ecosystems, focusing on understanding and mitigating the impact of human activity on fresh water.

This position is based at RPI’s Darrin Freshwater Institute in Bolton Landing, NY, on the shore of Lake George, with occasional responsibilities on campus in Troy, NY.

About the role

This role provides multi-disciplinary support to multiple aspects of the Project, including maintaining a network of sensors, conducting sampling surveys, assisting with research activities, and traveling to other lakes and field sites in the region.

Responsibilities

• Calibrate, deploy, and maintain environmental sensors as part of a sophisticated sensor network on Lake George and assist with sensor deployments on other lakes.
• Monitor data streams and respond to issues quickly.
• Master the operation of proprietary Jefferson Project sensor platforms on and around the lake.
• Conduct field surveys using standard limnological and hydrological field equipment on both lakes and streams.
• Maintain accurate records and conform to data management standards.
• Contribute to data QA/QC and data management efforts for large, environmental datasets using open-source programming tools (Python, R).
• Assist with research activities such as data analysis, reporting, and manuscript preparation.
• Assist with laboratory analyses of water samples as needed.
• Occasional travel to other lakes as well as meetings and conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science/engineering, or a related discipline.

Skills

• Experience calibrating and deploying environmental sensors and equipment (e.g., water quality sondes, weather stations, vertical profilers, automated samplers, sensor buoys, etc.).
• Experience troubleshooting sensors and associated monitoring station hardware (e.g., single-board computers, microcontrollers, PLCs, cellular gateways, dataloggers) and software (e.g., Python code, datalogger code).
• Programming experience in one or more programming languages (Python, R, Java, JavaScript, C, etc.).
• Experience working with Linux command line interface preferred.
• Experience conducting field work in lakes and streams.
• Experience with data analysis, visualization, and common statistical approaches.
• Some experience with small electronics/basic wiring and knowledge of basic electrical engineering principles.
• Basic water chemistry and/or ecology laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of boat safety as well as some operating/trailering experience.
• A willingness to troubleshoot and address complex problems in the field and in the lab.
• Ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement benefits

Pay

The pay range for Research Specialists is $18.00 to $26.55 USD/hour; the pay range for Senior Research Specialists is $62,354-$66,000 USD/year. The title (Research Specialist versus Senior Research Specialist) and salary offered will depend on the skills and experience of the applicant.

Preferred start date: Fall/Winter 2026.