Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), which investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources, is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to explore and quantitatively assess existing fish length and age data to evaluate various approaches to fish stock assessment and identify/pursue data gaps to characterize reach-specific population demographics of recreational and commercially important sport fishes in Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The results of this evaluation will guide ongoing sampling strategies to obtain an unbiased representative sample for any given sportfish species within a navigation pool and will provide the information required for the development and evaluation of harvest regulations. The position duties will require a balance of field sampling, laboratory science, data analysis, and writing. Scientists will have the opportunity to assist with other ongoing aquatic ecology research objectives, analysis, and contribution to research products at the field station and collaborate among field station and partner agency scientists.
The assistant will work under the direction of Jim Lamer and work closely with the Illinois River Biological Station scientists, other INHS researchers and faculty, and staff from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Fisheries. The position is based in Havana, Illinois, at the Illinois River Biological Station (https://illinois-river-bio-station.inhs.illinois.edu/) where the applicant will join an interdisciplinary community of researchers and graduate students.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assimilate and explore fish length and age data from various published and agency sources, identify data needs, and develop solutions to fill data gaps.
- Compare underutilized length-based estimators to age-based methods to determine species/conditions in which each of these is appropriate.
- Evaluate current designs, sample sizes, gears, and effort allocations used to sample fish communities in Illinois’ rivers and identify a standard protocol to best meet management objectives.
- Work closely with and coordinate efforts between state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.
- Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Assist other biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects.
- Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and the public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and written reports.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.
- Participate in community outreach and service events, and mentor hourly staff.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics or ecological statistics or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience and demonstrated analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience applying statistical techniques to ecological data and familiarity or have conducted field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Experience driving boats on rivers or other large bodies of water. Experience analyzing stock-assessment data or similar analyses and are familiar with the implementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred. Experience managing and analyzing large data sets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical skills and strong proficiency with R or SAS statistical software and its application to ecological-based statistics. Must be able to write clearly and scientifically as demonstrated through prior publications. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently communicate findings (verbally and in writing) to grant agencies and to scientific and public communities. 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 Microsoft Office, R or comparable platforms, GIS, and other commonly used software is required.
Environmental Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. May require standing and stationary positions.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The starting salary is $60,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 10, 2024. 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 clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jim Lamer at lamer@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. 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.
