The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) and its five constituent surveys—the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and Illinois State Water Survey—serve the state of Illinois and beyond by providing rigorous, objective scientific research, data, and expertise to help understand, manage, and protect our essential natural resources. With around 600 full-time staff, PRI is one of the largest research institutes at the University of Illinois.

PRI is based in Champaign-Urbana, a diverse, affordable, micro-urban community. Learn more about Champaign-Urbana. 

U. of I. HR provides more information about applying to and working at the University of Illinois, including available benefits.

If you have questions about any PRI open positions or the application process, contact a member of our human resources team:

  • Statewide Wildlife Monitoring (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking up to 2 technicians to support an existing research project designed to monitor wildlife across Illinois using camera traps. 

  • Aquatic Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Macomb, IL

    INHS is seeking field technicians (1-2) to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois, focusing on the Mississippi River. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data, with additional targeted data collection and lab sample processing. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be based in Macomb, Illinois. 

  • Hourly Research Assistant - Laboratory Experimentation

    Participate in research focused on the development of advanced critical mineral recovery platforms from traditional primary resources and secondary/waste-derived feedstocks. The position will support laboratory experiments related to leaching, separation, and purification processes for recovering critical rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The selected candidate will assist with experimental design, sample preparation, chemical analysis, data processing, and documentation to support project deliverables.