Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology
 Illinois Natural History Survey
 Prairie Research Institute

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.
 
 The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Large River Ecologist who will develop, direct, and conduct research activities focused on issues surrounding the impact, control, and management of bigheaded carp and other potential nuisance or invasive species throughout the Upper Mississippi River.

This is an in-person opportunity with the ability to be on site on a regular basis. This position is located at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities Include 

• Conduct biological monitoring and research on the Illinois River Waterway using multiple types of fishing gear (PDC electrofishing, netting, telemetry) and work closely with fishers to guide contracted invasive carp harvest.
• Collect fish population monitoring data and use the information to develop and evaluate research projects and guide management.
• Coordinate field sampling schedules including identifying sampling locations, completion of equipment inventory for each trip, and safety inspection of marine craft and gear.
• Supervise students and hourly technicians and guide scheduling, task assignment, explaining required sampling techniques, guiding required field data collection necessary to complete projects, and ensuring marine safety protocols are followed.
• Maintain active and open communication between MAM, IRBS staff, collaborators, and other parties.
• Manage, analyze, and translate research, harvest, telemetry, and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
• Work with the lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research.
• Coordinate and cooperate with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other groups.
• Attend local, regional, national, and international conferences.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, the University, and other state and federal agencies on professional and interagency committees associated with river ecology and fisheries.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, and UIUC committees.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards are met.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
• Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs, accurately and within established deadlines.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline. 

Physical Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, cold, etc.), lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for sustained distances, regularly during the field season. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting.
 
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Will require travel (including driving to and from research sites). Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
 
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, or a 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 in standard fish sampling and other sampling techniques important to large river ecology research. Experience leading crews on the IL Waterway using pulsed-DC electrofishing, fyke and hoop nets, and proficiency in IL River fish identification, especially preserved fish identification. Experience trailering, driving, and navigating research boats with outboard motors on large rivers. Valid Driver’s License. The ability to swim is required.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in standard fish sampling and other sampling techniques important to large river ecology research. Experience driving and troubleshooting 4WD trucks. Experience with writing and presenting scientific reports and scientific journal articles that include standard fisheries statistical analyses. Proficiency using common statistical and georeferencing software such as R and ArcGIS. Boater’s Safety, MOCC training, First-Aid and CPR training, AFS Certified Fisheries Professional, Red Cross or other swim certification.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a 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, including Microsoft Office, MS Access, ArcGIS, and statistical software packages (R, SAS, etc.). Possess appropriate field and laboratory skills as well as physical skills necessary to carry out work. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff, and clients. 

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually contingent upon available funding and programmatic needs. The position may be converted to a regular appointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations. 

The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary range is $50,000 to $55,000. 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.
 
This position is unable to support sponsorship for work authorization.  

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 23, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu 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 Dr. Jim Lamer at lamer@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.  

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.