Principal Research Scientist/Associate Research Scientist
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Details for the PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST
ISAS is seeking to hire a Principal Research Scientist, Archaeology to develop, lead, and manage all levels of archaeological analysis, research, and review of compliance reports and other publications for the Survey and Office of the State Archaeologist.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation
- Perform and oversee the analysis of recovered archaeological data and provide interpretations of findings.
- Author and edit compliance reports, technical chapters, and other volumes in accordance with state and federal laws for the Survey, the state of Illinois, and funding agencies.
- Perform quality assurance/quality control through reviewing data and reports.
- Develop research projects and external publications in collaboration with Survey staff and other researchers.
- Serve as Principal Investigator and/or co-Principal Investigator including management of grant funding, reports, and deliverables.
- Communicate results of investigations as presentations and lectures to a wide variety of audiences.
Strategic Leadership and Engagement
- Collaborate with and advise the Survey Director in strategic program planning, budget and program expenditures, and resource, space, and equipment allocation.
- Identify and support alignment of operational practices across Survey sections, remote field stations, and remote staff.
- Develop relationships with units on the UIUC campus and external units.
- Participate in a leadership role in professional organizations, committees, and journals concerning issues related to expertise.
- Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, Descendant communities, academia, industry, and the general public.
- Serve as point of contact for sponsor, respond to sponsor inquiries and needs, and coordinate staff activities with sponsor.
Management - Supervisory
- Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels including tasking assignments, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, and annual performance reviews.
- Develop and implement standardized workflows and templates for administrative tasks across sections.
- Review and revise program technical standards and provide input regarding program personnel standards.
Other
- 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:
Required:
PhD degree in anthropology, archaeology, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in archaeological field and laboratory investigations in the Midcontinent and/or Eastern Woodlands cultural areas. Demonstrated expertise in an area of archaeological research and analysis (e.g., lithic/ceramic analysis, geophysical survey and interpretation). Supervisory and team leadership experience. Experience managing sponsored research projects and staff, including timely submission of deliverables. Experience conducting compliance research according to Section 106 and other with federal historic preservation legislation. Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
Archaeological experience in Illinois. Expertise in precontact ceramic or lithic analysis and data management. Experience conducting compliance research according to state of Illinois historic preservation legislation.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted starting salary for this position is $100,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Details for the ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST
ISAS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology to develop and manage all levels of archaeological analysis, research, and review of compliance reports and other publications for the Survey and Office of the State Archaeologist.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation
- Perform and coordinate the analysis of recovered archaeological data and provide interpretations of findings.
- Author and edit compliance reports, technical chapters, and other volumes in accordance with state and federal laws for the Survey, the state of Illinois, and funding agencies.
- Perform quality assurance/quality control through reviewing data and reports.
- Develop research projects and external publications in collaboration with Survey staff and other researchers.
- Communicate results of investigations as presentations and lectures to a wide variety of audiences.
Management - Supervisory
- Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at
both individual and organizational levels including tasking assignments, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, and annual performance reviews.
- Develop and implement standardized workflows and templates for administrative tasks across sections.
- Review and revise program technical standards and provide input regarding program personnel standards.
Strategic Leadership and Engagement
- Identify and support alignment of operational practices across Survey sections, remote field stations, and remote staff.
- Develop relationships with units on the UIUC campus and external units.
- Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, Descendant communities, academia, industry, and the general public.
- Serve as point of contact for sponsor, respond to sponsor inquiries and needs, and coordinate staff activities with sponsor.
Other
- 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:
Required:
Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 8 years’ professional experience in archaeological field and laboratory investigations in North America. Demonstrated expertise in an area of archaeological research and analysis. Supervisory and team leadership experience. Experience managing sponsored research projects and staff, including timely submission of deliverables. Experience conducting archaeological research in compliance with Section 106 and other federal historic preservation legislation. Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
Archaeological experience in Illinois. Expertise in precontact ceramic or lithic analysis and data management. Experience conducting compliance research according to State of Illinois historic preservation legislation.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted starting salary for this position is $85,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Information For Both Positions
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required: In-depth knowledge of archaeological culture history and research agendas in the North America. Ability to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and supervise and mentor associated personnel. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations as appropriate, and express concepts and finding coherently, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. 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 as well as project management software.
Preferred: In-depth knowledge of archaeological culture history, research agendas, and historic preservation legislation in Illinois.
Working Conditions:
Work is conducted in both office and field settings. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 pounds.
Please note that interviews and hires may take place before the close of the job ad.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Monday, March 2, 2026. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16130?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. 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 (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please indicate in your cover letter for which level you are applying.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, 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 requirement, 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.