Senior Research Associate

Position Details Posting Summary College College Of Arts And Sciences Executive Area Provost & VP Academic Affairs Department Geological and Environ Sci Posting Detail Information Posting Number S1592P Job Type Full Time, Regular Pay Type Exempt/Salaried Pay Grade R5D Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo Main Campus and Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education Salary Range Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package. Number of Vacancies General Summary This position provides technical expertise for the Michigan Geological Survey's mineral systems evaluation work in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, using a systems-based geologic approach consistent with national and state critical minerals priorities. The work focuses on understanding the geologic framework, mineralizing processes, structural and stratigraphic controls, geochemical signatures, geophysical patterns, historical mining data, and legacy mine waste materials that inform Michigan's critical mineral and metallic mineral potential. Manages and supports existing externally funded projects and the pursuit of new grant opportunities. Duties include coordinating and conducting field investigations; collecting, managing, and interpreting geologic data and samples; performing resource assessment activities; mentoring early career staff and students; and producing maps, reports, databases, and other technical geologic deliverables. Major Duties Designs, administers and implements research projects as specified in the project plan. Collects data in accordance with ethical and technical principles. • Selects and applies appropriate quantitative, statistical, and/or qualitative methods for analysis and interpretation of data. Writes manuscripts for submission to professional and/or scientific journals or reports to the sponsoring agency. Collaborates with researchers, scholars and other stakeholders as relevant to the project. Identifies new or prospective sponsors and funding opportunities and drafts proposals for new/renewed research funding. Monitors daily operation of research programs/projects, including the reporting requirements, budgets and time tables specified in the project. Leads discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a principal researcher. Ensures that research projects comply with scientific and ethical requirements. May contribute to applications for external funding as a co-principal investigator. May serve as a principal investigator on a funded research or scholarship project or as a co-investigator under the general direction of a principal investigator. May present at professional conferences and meetings in the relevant field. May hire and supervise staff and students working on grant-related projects. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in geology or a related field from an accredited institution. Six years of relevant experience. Knowledge of the research or scholarship process, data collection, analytical and statistical methods. Experience conducting applied geologic investigations, data interpretation, data management, and preparation of technical products, maps, datasets, reports, or publications, including products consistent with geologic data standards. Clinical, laboratory, training or field skills appropriate to the grant or contract. Demonstrated record of research achievement. Demonstrated success in funding acquisition. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Proficient office software skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Demonstrated interest, skills, and experiences working with diverse groups. Ability to travel within Michigan. Desired Qualifications Doctoral degree in geology, geoscience or a related field from an accredited institution. Research experience relevant to mineral systems evaluation, economic geology, metallic mineral deposits, critical minerals, Precambrian bedrock geology, geochemistry, mineral resources, mine waste characterization, or related applied geoscience investigations. Experience preparing competitive proposals, scopes of work, budgets, technical reports, and project deliverables for externally funded geologic projects related to mineral systems evaluation, critical minerals, metallic mineral potential, mine waste characterization, or related applied geoscience investigations. Experience conducting geologic research or applied investigations related to mineral systems, economic geology, metallic mineral deposits, critical minerals, Precambrian bedrock geology, mine waste materials, or historical mining districts, preferably in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Lake Superior region, or comparable geologic settings. Experience integrating geologic, geochemical, geophysical, GIS, remote sensing, field, core, sample-based, historical mining, or legacy datasets to evaluate mineral occurrence, mineral systems, resource potential, or related subsurface geologic conditions. Experience working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary technical team to produce geologic maps, interpretive products, reports, publications, databases, presentations or other applied geologic deliverables for agency, research, public or partner audiences. Experience providing technical guidance, coordination or mentorship to students, interns, early-career staff, technical staff or project team members. Licensed Professional Geologist (LPG) or equivalent licensure or certification. Special Instructions to Applicants External applicants should use the WMU - Application. Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application. Additional Position Information This is a terminal position through September 30, 2026, with the potential to be renewed. Research Staff Pay Structure is available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/research-associate . Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, s://wmich.edu/hr/benefits-research . Physical requirements and working conditions Light work with some physical demands such as continuously lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds, but rarely moving more than 25 to 50 pounds. Work is performed with exposure to any number of elements which may occasionally require some precautions such as safety glasses, protective clothing, ear protection, etc. Substantial travel and outdoor fieldwork required, within the state of Michigan.