Assistant Research Scientist, Geology
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISGS is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Geology to lead basic and applied research in geological mapping of glacial and non-glacial Quaternary deposits, environmental geology and/or environmental hazards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Data Analyses and Interpretation
- Coordinate and lead federally funded geological mapping projects of Quaternary deposits in Illinois.
- Coordinate and lead externally funded research in environmental geology and/or environmental hazards in North America and elsewhere.
- Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) and other computing technologies to visualize/analyze data and map geology in two and three dimensions.
- Publish results of investigations in venues including but not limited to peer-reviewed journal articles, internal publication series, public information pamphlets and posters, geological maps, web pages, scientific abstracts, and databases.
Research – Field Work/Data Collection
- Plan, supervise, and perform fieldwork associated with geological mapping.
- Plan and coordinate drilling and geophysics fieldwork.
- Implement laboratory analyses of field samples and data related to geological mapping and environmental research.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead undergraduate students, graduate students, and hourly workers 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.
- Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Engagement and Outreach
- Participate in professional organizations.
- Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise on Quaternary geology to PRI staff, government agencies, non-government organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
- Communicate results of investigations as presentations or lectures to a wide variety of organizations or the public as appropriate.
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 geology 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. At least three (3) years of related industry or research experience with a master’s degree. At least five (5) years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
Ph.D. degree in geology or related discipline. Demonstrated expertise and leadership in geological mapping, map production and data analyses using GIS. Extensive experience in applying United States Geological Survey map standards (GeMS) and workflows. Experience in applied environmental and/or environmental hazards research such as groundwater, hydrology, soil and water quality, landslides and/or subsidence.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and efficiency in geological mapping principles and methods. Experience and knowledge of United States Geological Survey geological map standards and workflows. Advanced experience/knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS). Knowledge and experience in environmental geology or environmental hazards assessments.
Working Conditions:
This position will involve working in the office and field settings. Fieldwork will sometimes require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to 35% of the time (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will sometimes 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 40 pounds.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted amount for this position is $70,000 to $80,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
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) Friday, December 13, 2024. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12352?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.
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.