Scientific Specialist, 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 Scientific Specialist in the area of Large River Ecology to conduct basic and applied research for the aquatic macroinvertebrate component of the Long-Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRM), an element of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR).

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

• Assist with lab coordination for the Macroinvertebrate component of the LTRM.
• Work with others to collect and report on macroinvertebrate data utilizing the LTRM sampling protocols and focused research.
• Assist with the coordination of benthic and colonizer macroinvertebrate sample processing across the other LTRM field stations.
• Assist with training technicians responsible for sorting and identifying macroinvertebrate samples.
• Explore, mine, and synthesize historic macroinvertebrate data from the LTRM program.
• Collaborate on other related projects (fisheries, limnological, and hydrological).
• Provide necessary information to public constituents, research associates, and collaborating research agencies.
• Maintain databases for various projects.
• Analyze data files to ensure quality control and assurance.
• Under direction, archive, organize, and manage data files, ensuring historical data is protected for future use in natural history and management research.
• Contribute to the development of project reports to granting agencies.
• Distribute final project reports to the granting agency, the Survey, and PRI.
• Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Assemble data to be utilized in technical reports to granting agencies and peer-reviewed publications.
• Assist with the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations for professional meetings.
• Supervise, train, and lead hourly lab and field crew workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.
• Ensure marine safety protocols are followed and enforced.
• Prioritize, organize, and plan to ensure projects move forward in a timely manner.
• Work with 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 the University on search committees and outreach activities
• Trailer, operate, and navigate watercraft to sampling sites on commercially navigable waters.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• 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.) and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. 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) throughout the state of Illinois and neighboring states bordering the Upper Mississippi River. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
 
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, 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. Experience with macroinvertebrate sampling and identification. Experience conducting macroinvertebrate monitoring on the Illinois River using a variety of gear types, including ponar, rock bag/Hester Dendy, and suction dredge. Valid Driver’s License. Ability to swim is required.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years of experience in macroinvertebrate identification and research. Experience driving boats on rivers or other large bodies of water. Experience analyzing macroinvertebrate data and large data sets in general. Experience overseeing technicians, including scheduling, task assignment, performance, and other related tasks.
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong taxonomic identification skills and proficiency in using dichotomous keys. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently and communicate findings to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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, including MS Office (Excel, Word, Access). 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 Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The budgeted salary is $48,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill, while also considering internal equity. The start date is negotiable.  

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 25, 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.