Opportunities to get involved
Employment opportunities:
No current funded opportunities are available, but I am always interested in hearing from motivated researchers for potential future projects!
General Information for Prospective Lab Members
Interested in applying for a current position?
Poke around this website!
Learn about the current and past research done in this lab, and decide if your interests line up.
We are particularly interested in prospective lab members with a strong interest and background in quantitative ecology and modeling.
For those interested in a graduate student position, also read this and this.
Still interested in joining us?
Contact Dr. Hansen with a brief statement of your interests, experience, expected availability, and your CV.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Undergraduate opportunities
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Location: Twin Cities
Position description: Lab and field technician to assist with research in the Hansen lab for summer 2025. This will involve lab and office work in St. Paul and field work in lakes around Minnesota. Field work will include overnight travel up to 4 nights at a time. The primary responsibility of this position is assisting with zooplankton and sediment sample collection and processing for a paleolimnology project that investigates walleye population responses to environmental stressors over the last few hundred years. Other data management, lab, and field work duties may be assigned as needed.
Responsibilities will include:
Assist with monthly zooplankton sampling in 7 lakes around the state of Minnesota (30%)
Assist with sediment coring and surface sediment sample collection in lakes around the state of Minnesota (10%)
Zooplankton identification under a microscope (20%)
Identification of zooplankton remains in sediments under a microscope (30%)
Additional field, office, and lab work as needed (10%)
Qualifications:
Successful candidates must have an interest in aquatic ecology, experience in lab and field methods, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, the ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions, and the ability to work both as a part of a team and independently. Experience with zooplankton identification and/or trailering and driving a small boat (or willingness to learn) is preferred but not required.
Salary: minimum $15.25/hour, depending on experience
Please send a resume and cover letter to hemme129@umn.edu by April 14th, 2025 to apply.
We welcome inquiries from undergraduate students interested in independent study or mentored research.
Use the links below to explore ways to get involved in research at the University of Minnesota!
University of Minnesota - Undergraduate Research Home Page
University of Minnesota - Undergraduate Research Scholarships
University of Minnesota - Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
