Assistant Research Scientist, Vertebrate Curator
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 difference. 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.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
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 a Vertebrate Curator to administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, and conducting an independent program of basic and applied research in collection-based Ichthyology or Herpetology. Oversee curation of the Survey’s vertebrate collections and incorporate current technologies and best practices for collection curation, identification, and scientific discovery. This is an in-person position based in Champaign, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) leading an independent research program.
- Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
- Develop and contribute to proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research, including innovative applications of advanced technologies to collection-based research.
- Publish the results of original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals and other comparable publication records.
- Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for distribution to stakeholders.
- Curate, build upon and manage collections within the Survey, particularly the Ichthyology or Herpetology collections.
- Assist with the identification and accessioning of specimens collected as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation Surveys and Assessments.
- Facilitate integration of internal and external research activities with collection curation and management.
- Develop external proposals for funding collection improvement, digitization, management, and growth.
- Serve as a member of the INHS Collections Committee.
- Develop and manage budgets for external grants.
- Serve on institutional committees.
- Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and other services to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the State of Illinois.
- Facilitate outreach activities with the campus and community highlighting PRI collections.
- Actively participate in professional societies and associations that enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI
- Provide timely, authoritative information on the results of research to the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies.
- Represent the Survey and PRI at various meetings and symposia.
- Respond to requests for information from contract sponsors, staff, agencies, industries, and the public.
- Serve on graduate advisory committees.
- Advise, supervise, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
- Serve as a guest lecturer on campus.
- 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
Ph.D. in biology, organismal biology, evolutionary biology, ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. Experience in curation, management, outreach, and research. A track record of collection-based research and publications on the systematics, identification, biodiversity, population biology, and/or evolution of herps (non-avian reptiles and amphibians) or freshwater fishes. Expertise in one or more major groups of freshwater fishes or herps (non-avian reptiles and amphibians). Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Taxonomic expertise complementary to existing INHS staff and compatible with INHS collection holdings. Familiarity with current best practices for vertebrate collection curation/preservation. Post-doctoral or other professional experience. Experience or engagement with usage, management, and/or sharing of large datasets, and use of advanced technologies for data acquisition, management, and analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Environmental Demands
May require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Some of the work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The starting salary is $84,000 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 (CST) on April 19, 2024. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/9807?c=illinois by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website 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 Amber Hall at amberh@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, COVID-19 vaccination requirements, 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.
