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:

  • Associate or Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: October 19, 2026

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist or an Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology.  This position will be hired depending on the qualifications of the candidate.  The Associate level is primarily responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects, compliance reporting, and daily operation of the Statewide Survey program throughout Illinois;  and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).  The Assistant level is primarily responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects and compliance reporting; and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). 

  • Social Media Intern - Fall 2026 Semester - Application open until position is filled

    The social media intern will work directly with the social media coordinator and Strategic Communications team to strategize, craft and execute content for various platforms. Applicants should be interested in social media, storytelling, science communication, and digital content creation using video and photography. Ideal candidates are creative thinkers with strong writing and communication skills who can manage multiple projects and offer thoughtful input. Interest in applied science is a plus!

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: September 23, 2026

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology to conduct analysis of stone and mineral materials from archaeological sites including all aspects of lithic sample collection, identification, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and preparation for curation.  Please visit jobs.illinois.edu for further information regarding application procedures, or you may contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu.  Application deadline is 6:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, September 23, 2026.

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: September 22, 2026

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology to conduct analysis of archaeological materials and coordinate reporting among researchers for compliance with state and federal regulations concerning cultural resources.  Please visit jobs.illinois.edu for further information regarding application procedures, or you may contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu.  Application deadline is 6:00 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

  • Human Dimensions Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Deadline to Apply: September 11, 2026

    The Illinois Natural History Survey and the Human Dimensions group is seeking a technician to assist with all aspects of Human Dimensions research, including but not limited to survey mailing, telephone interviews, data entry, and data analysis.