Associate Research Scientist, Glacial Geology
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISGS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Glacial Geology to lead basic and applied research programs, including geological mapping, in areas of glacial, proglacial and nonglacial Quaternary deposits and paleoenvironments.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Data Analyses and Interpretation
- Conceive, implement, and conduct externally funded research program(s) related to Quaternary glacial-interglacial deposits, landscapes, paleoclimate records and/or paleoenvironmental records in North America and elsewhere.
- Conceive, coordinate, carry out, and complete federally funded geological mapping projects of glacial and nonglacial Quaternary deposits and landscapes in Illinois.
- Utilize geographic information systems (GIS) and other computing technologies to visualize/analyze data and map geology in two and three dimensions, and use AI/ML where appropriate.
- Collaborate with Survey and PRI scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to develop new research programs.
- Publish results of investigations in venues that include peer-reviewed journal articles, internal publication series, public information pamphlets and posters, geological maps, web pages, scientific abstracts, and databases.
Research – Field Work/Data Collection
- Plan, supervise, and perform fieldwork associated with geological mapping and other research projects. Plan and coordinate outcrop sampling, drillcore sampling and geophysics fieldwork.
- Implement laboratory analyses of field-collected or archived Quaternary sediment samples.
- Overnight tranvel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
- 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, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
Engagement and Outreach
- Participate in professional organizations, including leadership roles when appropriate.
- Communicate results of investigations as presentations or lectures to a wide variety of organizations or the public as appropriate.
- Contribute in the areas of education, outreach and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
- Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise on Quaternary geology and its societal impacts to PRI staff, government agencies, non-government organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
Other
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Position requirements and Qualifications:
Education and Experience: Include number of years if necessary.
Required: Master’s degree in geology or 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 industry or research experience with a master’s degree or at least 5 years’ related industry or research experience with a Ph.D. Bachelor’s degree in geology or related discipline. At least 10 years’ related industry or research experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Track record of developing and maintaining funded research program(s) in the geosciences. Experience in program leadership, project management, and personnel mentorship. Valid driver’s license
Preferred: Ph.D. in Quaternary geology or related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in geologic mapping and paleoenvironmental research in Quaternary deposits and landscapes.
Knowledge Requirements:
Established history of research in Quaternary science. Preferred areas of knowledge include glacial geology, geological mapping, geomorphology, paleoclimatology, paleosols, paleoecology or other paleoenvironments. Experience with research and mapping in Quaternary deposits (glacial, proglacial or interglacial) or in glacial terrains is preferred. Knowledge of geological mapping and stratigraphic principles and geological map production. Affinity for interdisciplinary research with scientists at PRI, professionals in academia, and other governmental institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. 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.
Environmental Demands:
This position will involve working in both office and field settings. Fieldwork will sometimes require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, biting insects, remoteness, sites with security concerns, heavy traffic) and traveling up to 15% of the time (including driving to and from research sites) in both rural and urban settings. This position may require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time, and it will require operating, lifting, and manipulating field equipment and other items over uneven terrain weighing up to 40 pounds.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted amount for this position is $90,000 to $110,000. 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) Friday, February 21, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12739?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.