• Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeology

    Illinois State Archaeological Survey

    Visiting Scientific Specialist, Archaeology

     Illinois State Archaeological Survey

    Prairie Research Institute

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

    Positions will be located in multiple Illinois field stations including Champaign, Collinsville, Elgin, Jacksonville, and Macomb.

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois 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 go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs. 

    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.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    Research – Data Collection

    • Conduct fieldwork to identify archaeological materials, delineate the spatial extent of archaeological materials, and determine landscape conditions and soil characteristics.
    • Locate and document archaeological sites using topographic maps, field sketch maps, and electronic mapping devices.
    • Gather archival, cartographic, geophysical, and geographic information relevant to field investigations and/or collections documentation.

    Research – Data Analysis and Inventory

    • Conduct lab processing, inventorying, and cataloging of archaeological materials and records.
    • Identify and catalog precontact and/or post-contact materials.
    • Complete field and lab forms and review for accuracy.
    • Contribute to technical reports and collections assessments.
    • Scan documents and data entry.

    Other

    • Contribute to the education, outreach, and/or service goals of the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
    • Keep abreast of developments in this field.
    • Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Required:

    Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, American Indian or Native American Studies, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Archaeological fieldwork, analysis, and/or curation experience in the Midwest or southeastern US. Valid driver's license.

    Preferred: 

    Archaeological fieldwork, analysis, and/or curation experience in Illinois.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    Required: Effective communication and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment with multiple and changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to produce deliverables by established deadlines. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. 

    Preferred: Familiarity with Illinois archaeology and standard archaeological methods in the field, lab, and curation facilities. Proficiency in using GPS, GIS, Filemaker Pro, geophysical survey equipment, or other specialized equipment and computer programs. 

    Working Conditions:

    Work is conducted in office and/or 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. Overnight travel for up to one week at a time may be required. Lab and curation work will require the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to sit for long periods, often in front of a computer screen.

    Appointment Information:

    This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment.  Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need.  The budgeted amount for this position is $43,000 to $45,000. 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.

    Please note that interviews and hires may take place before the close of the job ad.  

    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) Wednesday, October 15, 2025.  To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15330?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.