Undergraduate Hourly and/or Graduate Hourly
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.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
We are seeking up to three motivated students to participate in geological core samples and paleontological specimen management, digitization, and data preservation.
Responsibilities include the following:
- Identify and catalog materials in the ISGS collections.
- Clean samples and repair boxes or transfer to new boxes as needed.
- Participate in digital curation activities.
- Cut and polish samples for use in paleontologic, geologic, and critical minerals research. Requires operation and maintenance of various shop and stock handling equipment such as rock crusher, rock saw, core saw, rock splitter, power tools, and hand tools.
- Assist with sample shipping.
- Assist with research and digitization efforts for samples within the Geological Samples Library (GSL) and PRICFP, which includes use of photographic equipment such as lighting and cameras, pXRF, and any other associated electronics or software for samples digitization and curation efforts.
- Receive, identify, and sort drill hole and core samples and prepare them for processing and help accession them into permanent storage.
Required Qualifications: Undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Illinois. Helpful to have scientific collections-based experience, but other work-related experience will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience with geological research and/or experience with taxonomic-based research, especially paleontological research.
Work up to 20 hours per week at $18 per hour, depending on qualifications.
Position will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Qualified candidates must submit 1) a brief cover letter, 2) a résumé/CV, and 3) names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) for two professional references. Please email application materials to: Jared Thomas at thomasmj@illinois.edu.
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.