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:

  • Assistant Director for Facilities and Safety, PRI

    PRI is seeing to hire an Assistant Director for Facilities and Safety to serve as a member of the PRI Executive Leadership Team. Provide leadership and oversight for the Institute's facilities, environmental health and safety, emergency preparedness, and operational risk management programs. Establish organizational priorities and develop comprehensive strategies that promote a safe, compliant, and sustainable work environment across PRI and its scientific surveys. Oversee facilities operations, capital improvement and maintenance initiatives, and compliance with applicable federal, state, university, and regulatory requirements. Advance PRI's facilities infrastructure and culture of safety through strategic planning, operational leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring the Institute's physical assets and work environments effectively support PRI's mission of advancing interdisciplinary research in the environmental, social, and economic sciences and related technologies.

  • Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Lab Tech (Hourly)

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking technicians to assist with laboratory tasks associated with wildlife research.

  • Associate or Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: October 19, 2026

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist or an Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology.  This position will be hired depending on the qualifications of the candidate.  The Associate level is primarily responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects, compliance reporting, and daily operation of the Statewide Survey program throughout Illinois;  and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).  The Assistant level is primarily responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects and compliance reporting; and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).