Assistant Research Scientist, Applied Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking an Applied Ecologist to support the quantitative needs of the Survey’s ongoing and future research projects, which are broadly focused on wetland birds, especially marsh birds and waterfowl. Long-term, this position will have opportunities to develop new projects along with the rest of the station staff.
This in-person position is located at the Forbes Biological Station in Havana, Illinois.
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 services 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.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Analyze data from monitoring projects and individual tracking projects, including movement data, point counts, and call broadcast surveys.
- Manage project datasets and databases
- Inform study design of new student and staff projects and proposals
- Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
- Lead and assist with writing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Provide outreach and services to the public, the Survey, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, PRI, UIUC, and other professional organizations.
- Represent the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other agencies on committees.
- 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, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and travel approval.
- Conduct research activities related to wetland birds in Illinois and elsewhere in North America.
- Conduct research activities in the area of wetland ecology and other natural resources fields.
- Lead and facilitate research activities through a structured decision-making process
- Lead specific projects, and contribute to many others in study design and analysis
- Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, 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 analyzing ecological data. Experience using common software packages for data recording and analysis, reporting, and processing, such as R. Experience working with movement data from individually tagged birds. Experiencing processing Automated Recording Unit recordings and developing and validating automated recording processing software. Experience in project management and supervising technicians. Experience publishing in peer-reviewed publications and gray literature. Experience capturing wild waterfowl. Valid Driver’s License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, and staff. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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
Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting as well as in the field. The office component 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.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time, 100% academic professional position. The budgeted salary is $61,200 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill, while also considering internal equity. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 26, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14911?c=illinois&sq=1032003 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 Auriel Fournier at auriel@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
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.