Visiting Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Biology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignThe Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leaderin investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, isseeking a Visiting Aquatic Biologist who will conduct basic and appliedresearch regarding freshwater mussel distribution and ecology in Illinois.
This in-person position is located in Champaign, Illinois on theUniversity of Illinois Campus.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago,St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering awide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology,sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provideobjective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens anddecision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development,enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for thepeople, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn moreat https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
As a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, you will,- Conduct field surveys for mussels at project sites.
- Conduct or assist with lab trials.
- Curate specimens for biological collections.
- Manage, analyze, and translate research and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and interested parties.
- Translate scientific data into quarterly and interim reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, and ongoing performance management with coaching feedback and travel approval.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience related to this position.
- A minimum of two years of experience leading field surveys for aquatic species, especially freshwater mollusks in flowing water systems.
- Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in biology or related discipline.
- Experience collecting freshwater mussels in rivers in midwestern states.
- Experience independently collecting and identifying freshwater mussels in the field.
- Experience with museum collections, data management, and data analysis of population-level data.
- Experience conducting lab trials using live animal subjects and/or housing or husbandry of aquatic organisms.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Knowledge of midwestern mussel species identification, life history, and habitat requirements.
- Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
- Must be able to swim and/or safely navigate wadable streams.
Environmental DemandsThe work of this position takes place in an office and fieldsetting. The work is intermittently sedentary and involves remaining in astationary position for extended periods working at a computer, using akeyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Also, intermittentlyworking in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.),travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state ofIllinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipmentweighing up to 25 pounds. Overnight travel may be required.
Appointment Information This is a Visiting full-time Academic Professional position. This position maybecome a regular position at a later date depending on funding and programmaticneed. The start date is negotiable and the budgeted starting salary for thisposition is $50,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate withqualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline InformationApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 24, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearlyoutlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2)a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including emailaddresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will notbe considered. For further information about this specific position, pleasecontact Alison Stodola at alprice@illinois.eduorSarah Douglass at sabales@illinois.edu.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1028975
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
