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:

  • Business Administrative Associate (BAA) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Deadline to Apply: September 4, 2026 by 6:00 PM

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking a Business Administrative Associate (BAA) for its Illinois River Biological Station to independently perform pre- and post-award administrative duties related to sponsored projects, with special emphasis on maintaining the data necessary for compliance with institutional policies and procedures, state and/or federal laws, and contractual obligations. Responsible for overall business and service management associated with the day-to-day operations of the unit by facilitating and overseeing the primary functions necessary for the efficient operation of the Illinois River Biological Station and additional staff at satellite sites. Responsible for the critical administrative functions of the business operations of the field station, laboratories, and grant-funded research projects.

    This position may allow for remote or hybrid work with the ability to be on-site at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, Illinois, as needed. 

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey - Deadline to Apply: September 22, 2026

    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. 

    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.

  • Chemistry Research Lab Assistants

    This hourly position provides general support for laboratory operations, including supply preparation, sample processing, inventory and equipment maintenance, quality assurance activities, and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.  Training will be provided.

  • Visiting Scientific Specialist, Vector Biology - Illinois Natural History Survey - Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026 by 6:00 PM

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Scientific Specialist in the area of Vector Biology,  who will contribute to the research and surveillance activities of the Survey’s Medical Entomology Laboratory by contributing to basic and applied research on various aspects of the ecology, distribution and taxonomy of vectors and vector-borne diseases, including mosquitoes, ticks and biting midges.  

  • Insect Collections Databasing (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI - Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2026

    The Illinois Natural History Survey (Prairie Research Institute) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an individual who will assist with databasing specimen data from thousands of borrowed insect specimens. 

  • 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. 

  • Hourly Research Assistant - Laboratory Experimentation

    Participate in research focused on the development of advanced critical mineral recovery platforms from traditional primary resources and secondary/waste-derived feedstocks. The position will support laboratory experiments related to leaching, separation, and purification processes for recovering critical rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The selected candidate will assist with experimental design, sample preparation, chemical analysis, data processing, and documentation to support project deliverables.