Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
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 service 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.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) is one of six stations of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program’s Long Term Resource Monitoring Element (LTRM), funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and administered by the United States Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Staff here also coordinate the Long-Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) on the Illinois River Waterway and select pools on the Upper Mississippi River, black carp research on the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River, fish and vegetation monitoring and research at the Emiquon Preserve, and aid in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ongoing management of bighead and silver carps. The need for flexible research and monitoring of water quality, and native and invasive aquatic organisms is the scientific foundation of IRBS.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking a Quantitative Ecologist to synthesize and quantitatively evaluate invasive carp harvest and telemetry data needed to help better inform rapid, adaptive invasive carp harvest management and efficiency in the Upper Mississippi River. The position duties will require a balance of field sampling, laboratory science, data analysis, and writing. Scientists will have the opportunity to assist with other ongoing aquatic ecology research objectives, analysis, and contribution to research products at the field station and collaborate among field station and partner agency scientists. This position will be based in Havana, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Build and evaluate predictive harvest models that contribute to invasive carp management in the upper Mississippi River using telemetry and harvest data.
- Synthesize and model invasive carp harvest, telemetry, and data on reproduction and recruitment in the upper Mississippi River to help contribute to invasive carp adaptive management and overall integrated pest management strategy.
- Evaluate current designs, sample sizes, gears, and effort allocations used to sample carp in Illinois’ rivers and identify best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness of harvest.
- Work closely with and coordinate efforts between state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.
- Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Assist other biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects.
- Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and the public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and in written reports.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.
- Participate in community outreach and service events, and mentor hourly staff.
- 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.
Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. May require standing and stationary positions. Occasional overnight travel may occur.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics or ecological statistics 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 with analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, 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 applying statistical techniques to ecological data and familiarity or have conducted field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Ability to apply statistical techniques to ecological data. Experience analyzing advanced modeling approaches for fisheries or wildlife and familiarity with the implementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical skills and strong proficiency with R or SAS statistical software and its application to ecological-based statistics. Must be able to write clearly and scientifically as demonstrated through prior publications. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently communicate findings (verbally and in writing) to granting agencies and to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, 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 Microsoft Office, R or comparable platforms, GIS, and other commonly used software is required.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continuation of funding. The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary is $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by September 11, 2024. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11807?c=illinois&referralToken=MX8lYTz4-EapwaM-jNL-bA 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 Dr. James Lamer at lamer@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, 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.
