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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:

blog posts

  • Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeology

    ISAS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeology (up to 10 hires depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to conduct archaeological field, lab, and collections investigations and analysis projects. Deadline to apply is is 6:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI - Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to manage statewide monitoring projects focused on furbearer populations. 

  • Molecular Plant Pathology Lab Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey

    The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Molecular Plant Pathology Lab is seeking undergraduate/graduate students or hourly technicians for lab work on DNA extraction, detection, and identification of phytoplasma plant pathogenic bacteria.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogeology

    The Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research and analysis focused on evaluating feasibility of managed aquifer recharge in shallow aquifers through hydrogeologic modeling and related activities in support of ongoing projects.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate - Water Resources Planning

    The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a statewide water resources planning project.

  • Stewardship and Donor Development Specialist (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    The Illinois River Biological Station, part of the Illinois Natural History Survey, is seeking a Stewardship and Donor Development Specialist to support fundraising development efforts by conducting in-depth research, analyzing, and communicating relevant information to support the identification, cultivation, socialization, and stewardship of individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position is a remote/hybrid opportunity with occasional visits to the Illinois River Biological Station required. 

  • Aquatic Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Macomb, IL

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking field technicians (1-2) to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois, focusing on the Mississippi River. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection and lab sample processing. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be based in Macomb, Illinois. 

  • Graduate Academic Hourly at Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

    ISTC is seeking a “Graduate Academic Hourly” with a chemical engineering/chemistry background (recent or upcoming graduate – completed or completing Bachelor or Master or Ph.D. in 2025) to work on a 1.5-year research project related to Plasma based CO2 capture and conversion.

  • Medical Entomology Field Technician (Hourly): Illinois Natural History Survey

    The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Medical Entomology Lab is seeking undergraduate students or hourly technicians for seasonal field and lab work on mosquito and tick surveillance and research. 

  • Undergraduate Hourly, Graduate Hourly, Academic Hourly

    We are seeking up to three motivated individuals to participate in and support original research and technology development in one or more areas of carbon capture & utilization, critical materials recovery, and the beneficial utilization of waste materials. Responsibilities include participating in laboratory and bench-scale experiments and analytical characterization to evaluate new materials and processes, assisting in the assembly and troubleshooting of experimental setups, analyzing experimental data, supporting modeling efforts, performing literature searches, as well as preparing reports and documentation.