How to Apply
Each application must include:
- Resume or curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages);
- Education and career goal statement emphasizing the applicant's abilities and expectations for the fellowship experience (1,000 words or less);
- Contact information for three references, including the student's advisor or major professor
- A clear scanned copy of undergraduate and graduate student transcripts
Who We Are
Michigan Sea Grant (MISG) is a cooperative program of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With offices in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and coastal communities around the state, MISG's mission is to foster economic growth and protect Michigan's coastal and Great Lakes resources through education, research, and outreach. MISG's partnership with NOAA's National Sea Grant network which consists of 34 university based programs, contributes to ensuring a sustainable use of resources within the environment and the research community.
Job Summary
The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network (GLSGN), International Joint Commission (IJC), and Great Lakes Commission (GLC), are seeking two Fellows, recently graduated or set to graduate in Spring 2026 with a graduate degree or professional program with demonstrated interest in Great Lakes, coastal, or ocean resources and policy decisions impacting these resources. The GLSGN and specifically Michigan Sea Grant have trusted regional relationships through time tested extension services and long-established boots on the ground programs invested in Great Lakes outreach services.
You will have a hybrid work schedule (virtual/in-person), placed at the Michigan Sea Grant Offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with limited travel to visit the GLC Office (also in Ann Arbor), and IJC Great Lakes Regional Office, located in Windsor, Ontario. As a Fellow of Michigan Sea Grant for one year starting in September 2026, you will provide technical support to the IJC's Great Lakes Regional Office and the GLSGN in a cooperative arrangement with IJC, GLC and Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Responsibilities*
As Research Fellow with MISG, you will support the following:
- Support engagement and outreach activities associated with the Great Lakes Science Plan, including planning, supporting and attending relevant meetings and discussions.
- Provide GIS/data visualization/multimedia storytelling support to the IJC and its Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Great Lakes Science Advisory Board, and Health Professionals advisory board, including but not limited to: geospatial and data visualization of the Fifth Great Lakes Regional Poll results; multimedia storytelling for the IJC fourth Triennial Assessment of Progress report; other project(s) supporting IJC and board communications outputs.
- Provide communications between the GLC, GLSGN, IJC, and supporting consultants.
- Attend various Great Lakes regional meetings
- Distribute report findings with relevant boards and committees
- Support other priorities of the IJC's Water Quality Board, Science Advisory Board and Health Professionals Advisory Board
- Limited travel as requested by the IJC, GLC and GLSGN for community engagement purposes
Required Qualifications*
- Must be able to travel between the U.S. and Canada to conduct fieldwork, and must primarily reside in the United States
- Master's or professional degree strongly preferred from an accredited college or university in a policy or scientific major field of study, and at least 25 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: environmental science or engineering, chemistry, biology, limnology, oceanography, physics, hydrology, geology, political science, geospatial information, data visualization, or a related field
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
- Knowledge applicable to a wide range of scientific disciplines and project management activities
- Knowledge of environmental science, chronic ecosystem problems facing the Great Lakes, scientific methods, and best practices for developing technical advice for managers
- Familiarity with Indigenous communities across the Great Lakes, inclusive of traditional ecological knowledge and scientific pathways of knowing
- Experience with multimedia science communications reaching a variety of audiences.
- Experience conducting workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various agencies and audiences
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills. Applicants selected for an interview may be asked to provide an example of a written or communications product
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Term Appointment Language
Note: This position will be a one year, full-time term limited appointment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.