Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Epidemiology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Visiting Epidemiologist who will contribute to the survey's research activities by conducting research and laboratory work on various aspects of chronic wasting disease (CWD) epidemiology, including indirect environmental transmission, interactions with other microorganisms, and tissue degradation.
This position is located in Champaign, Illinois on the University of Illinois Campus, however, remote work options may be available.
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
As a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, you will,
- Participate in field studies related to wildlife diseases.
- Assist in designing and completing laboratory studies to examine aspects of chronic wasting diseases (CWD) transmission, genetics, and interaction with other microorganisms.
- Manage multiple laboratory studies and projects concurrently and independently.
- Collect, digitize, back up, and store all study metadata and data so that the information is useful both immediately and in the future.
- Coordinate research activities among participants and with other members of the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Lab.
- Develop and sustain strong collaborative interactions with state biologists, faculty, staff, and students across INHS and the U of I campus to engage in data collection efforts that assist wildlife disease management efforts.
- Develop and test laboratory protocols for studies.
- Assist with other projects being carried out by members of the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Lab when needed.
- Complete lab methods comparison to determine the best lab methods for sample preparation for genetic sequencing for microbiome studies.
- Complete lab safety training(s) and work under laboratory biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) conditions.
- Conduct laboratory tasks, including tissue and sample selection and handling, sample storage, sample labeling and organization, autoclave operation, and validation, according to laboratory biosafety protocols.
- Maintain inventory and organization of muscle samples and DNA for microbial work.
- Conduct DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Perform DNA quality checks, including fluorometry-based quantification and gel-based qualification.
- Participate in efforts associated with the submission of samples to the Roy J. Carver sequencing center, including substantiated evaluation of strategies and genetic targets for sequencing.
- Convert raw study data to usable outputs for presentations and publications.
- Utilize knowledge of microbiology and genetics to translate findings into insights about factors that impact CWD or are impacted by CWD, or the role of microbiomes in deer health and disease.
- Archive and manage all genetic data (results) pertaining to microbiome studies.
- Create and maintain written protocols for field and lab work.
- Perform analysis of sequencing results.
- Solicit and incorporate feedback from peers and advisors into scientific writing.
- Present results to the granting agency.
- Participate in the dissemination of results through the publication of manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals and popular articles.
- Contribute to compliance reports, manuscripts, and publications in the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory at INHS.
- Be actively involved in interpreting project results and communicating scientific evidence produced by these efforts via presenting at scientific conferences.
- Maintain ongoing active and transparent communication with project supervisor(s) about project statuses, problems, plans, personnel, and results.
- Mentor and work with other members of the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory to conduct epidemiological research.
- Collaborate with team members to foster a culture of innovation, high positive performance, and productivity. This includes coordinating laboratory tasks, communicating needs, and helping with other projects when necessary.
- Support standard operating procedures and laboratory safety protocols, ensuring compliance with biosafety rules and standard operating procedures.
- Assist with keeping operational spaces within the regulatory expectations of our standard operating protocols.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
Minimum Qualifications
- Masters in Wildlife Ecology, Microbiology, Animal Sciences, Zoology, or Veterinary Sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
- Prior research experience with wildlife or livestock epidemiology.
- A demonstrated ability to conduct quality research independently and efficiently.
- A dedication to wildlife disease research and management in wildlife or livestock as demonstrated through relevant educational background, participation in conferences, continuing education, fieldwork, and laboratory exercises.
- Strong interest in the application of microbiology and genetics to answer questions about wildlife diseases and their control.
- Experience with designing, conducting, evaluating, and publishing studies on wildlife epidemiology.
- Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 lab handling tissues from wild deer or other materials contaminated with chronic wasting disease (CWD) or other pathogens.
- Experience interacting with deer hunters in Illinois.
- Laboratory experience in detecting and assessing antimicrobial resistance in wildlife or livestock.
- Ability to perform DNA extraction on white-tailed deer tissue samples and prepare those samples for DNA sequencing.
- Proficiency in techniques and procedures related to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bacterial culturing, gel electrophoresis, and assessment of antimicrobial resistance.
- Experience with collecting and processing soil samples for X-ray diffraction analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, Microbiology, Animal Sciences, Zoology, or Veterinary Sciences. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
- Experience with fieldwork related to wildlife or livestock diseases, with preference given to those who have conducted soil sampling, and pathogen collection from animals, and participated in events related to CWD management.
- Record of publications in the area of wildlife epidemiology, disease ecology, and/or CWD.
- Previous experience with genetic work using pipettes with small volumes (under ten microliters).
- Ability to use lab safety equipment including but not limited to pipettes, biosafety hood, autoclave, and personal protective equipment to adhere to safety regulations.
- Ability to wear laboratory gloves and follow detailed "clean" techniques.
- Biosafety Level 2 certification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- The use of advanced laboratory techniques and effective project management in a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment is integral to this position.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
- Ability to collaborate with other lab members on projects, papers, and presentations and prioritize teamwork.
- Maintain attention to detail.
- Be safety-minded in the laboratory.
- Be transparent about the research throughout the entire research process and maintain a strong set of ethics in research and publishing.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively in a multidisciplinary, diverse, fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines under minimal supervision.
- Must be able to manage multiple studies concurrently.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to present research to team members, collaborators, and other scientists in a clear and effective manner.
- Must possess the necessary skills to conduct research on wildlife genetics, antimicrobial resistance, wildlife microbiomes, and soil analysis.
- Demonstrate interest and ability to communicate research professionally in oral and poster presentations and knowledge of writing and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Environmental Demands
The position will involve both prolonged standing and sitting, working in a Biosafety Level 2 environment, and adhering to established decontamination procedures. Position will require using safety equipment either in the laboratory or during fieldwork as needed, with this equipment including gloves, cut-resistant coverings, face shields, masks, and eye protection. The job will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, snow, ice, etc.), traveling (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, working irregular hours and overnights, lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and lifting items up to 40 pounds to waist height. Laboratory office spaces are small, and desks are shared with people in the lab on a given day. Occupancy, noise, temperature, and lighting levels can vary in the workspace. Cellphone use is limited to designated areas outside the laboratory. There will be a variation of smells in the lab since we work with tissue in different stages of decomposition. The use of perfumes is not accepted.
Appointment Information
This is a Visiting full-time Academic Professional position. This position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The start date is negotiable and the budgeted salary for this position is $60,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on January 31, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12948?c=illinois by 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 Jameson Mori at jmori@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 requirements, 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.