Environmental Data Specialist, Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR)
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) is seeking an individual to join our team as an Environmental Data Specialist. This role will focus on the design and development of observing networks for the Great Lakes region, and the maintenance and enhancement of scientific software and applications. The individual will work closely with CIGLR, partners affiliated with the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (NOAA GLERL) to support research efforts and data management. This role will report directly to Dr. Dani Jones.
This position is open only to US Citizens or permanent residents due to federal security clearance required for access to NOAA GLERL facilities and resources.
Term Limited Appointment: This is a one-year term limited appointment, with an opportunity for extension based on funding and performance.
Responsibilities
In collaboration with CIGLR, GLOS, and NOAA GLERL scientists, you will:
- Use data-driven tools to design and develop advanced observing networks for the Great Lakes region.
- Implement and maintain scientific software solutions, ensuring robust and reproducible data processing workflows.
- Perform data management for ecological monitoring programs, buoy systems, and autonomous vehicles, including data archiving (e.g., National Centers for Environmental Information, NCEI).
- Maintain web-based applications, including dynamically updated real-time data visualizations and web pages.
- Conduct data visualization, analyses, and quality control processes.
- Collaborate with scientists and staff on the preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations, as well as on best practices for data management and software development.
Modes of Work
You will spend the majority of time at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Ann Arbor. Our team offers flexible work styles, such as flexible hours and/or flexible workplace (with approved agreements in place), however this position is not eligible for fully remote work. In addition to your primary work location at GLERL, you will also have access to CIGLR’s shared office space in the Dana Building on the University of Michigan’s central campus.
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.
- Posted: December 22, 2025
- Job Type: Staff
- Application deadline: 01/15/2026
- Organization: Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR)
- Qualifications: Required Qualifications* A bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, data science, natural sciences, engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. At least 1 year of related experience in a professional setting. Experience working with large datasets in open-source software environments, particularly Python. Experience with data archival is preferred. Demonstrated experience in using or developing software systems for scientific applications, particularly for analyses, visualization, and/or quality control. Experience with geospatial data is also preferred. Coursework or practical experience with computational and machine learning packages (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow). Experience with cloud-based database management and data-driven web pages using APIs.
- How to apply: Apply on website.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Web address: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/272029/environmental-data-specialist
Contact Information
Margaret Throckmorton
throckmj@umich.edu