Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Position is located in Collinsville, Illinois.
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/careers/.
ISAS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology to contribute to and lead sponsored research on archaeological field investigations and analysis projects.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Administration
- Serve as co-principal and/or principal investigator and performs tasks in that capacity including management of grant funding and production of project, grant, or contract reports and deliverables.
- Serve as point of contact for the Survey and sponsor, respond to Survey and sponsor inquires and needs, and coordinate staff activities with Survey.
- Evaluate contract program standards and methodology and recommend program improvements.
- Participate in decision making of budget and program expenditures.
- Review and revise program technical standards and provide input regarding program personnel standards.
- Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, leave/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
Research – Field Work/Data Collection
- Function as the lead archaeologist for all major field and analytical undertakings.
- Coordinate field investigations with landowners, contracting and regulatory agencies, construction firms, and Statewide Survey staff and administration.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- Assist with proper curation of artifacts for both ISAS and the Illinois State Museum.
Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation
- Perform and oversee the inventory and analysis of recovered archaeological data and provide interpretations of findings.
- Author compliance reports in accordance with state and federal laws and author and edit technical chapters or volumes for the Survey, the state of Illinois, and funding agencies.
- Perform quality assurance/quality control through reviewing data and reports.
Engagement and Other
- Provide technical expertise to staff, government agencies, academia, industry, and the general public.
- Attend scientific conferences and training courses and presents papers and results.
- Represent the Survey and PRI at meetings and other venues in areas of expertise.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University.
Position Requirements and Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Required: Master’s degree in anthropology, geography, or closely related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 8 years’ related research experience with a master’s degree or at least 5 years’ related research experience with a Ph.D. Demonstrated expertise of Eastern Woodlands archaeological culture history. Demonstrated track record of experience with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation and burial laws and regulations. Experience managing sponsored research projects and staff, including timely submission of deliverables. Valid driver's license.
Preferred: Ph.D. in anthropology, geography, or closely related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
Knowledge Requirements:
In-depth knowledge of Illinois archaeological culture history and research agendas. Ability to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and effective supervise and mentor associated personnel. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations as appropriate and express concepts and findings coherently, both verbally and in writing to granting and regulatory agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases as well as project management software.
Environmental Demands:
Work is conducted in both office and field settings. Fieldwork will require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 50 pounds.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted amount for this position is $90,000 to $102,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, March 20, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13337?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. 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 (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, 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.