Visiting Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Biology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Visiting Aquatic Biologist who will conduct basic and applied research regarding freshwater mussel distribution and ecology in Illinois.
This in-person position is located in Champaign, Illinois on the University of Illinois Campus.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
As a Visiting Scientific Specialist, you will,
- Conduct field surveys for mussels at project sites.
- Conduct or assist with lab trials.
- Curate specimens for biological collections.
- Manage, analyze, and translate research and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and interested parties.
- Translate scientific data into quarterly and interim reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly 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, and ongoing performance management with coaching feedback and travel approval.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience related to this position.
- A minimum of two years of experience leading field surveys for aquatic species, especially freshwater mollusks in flowing water systems.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology or related discipline.
- Experience collecting freshwater mussels in rivers in midwestern states.
- Experience independently collecting and identifying freshwater mussels in the field.
- Experience with museum collections, data management, and data analysis of population-level data.
- Experience conducting lab trials using live animal subjects and/or housing or husbandry of aquatic organisms.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of midwestern mussel species identification, life history, and habitat requirements.
- Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, 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.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
- Must be able to swim and/or safely navigate wadeable streams.
Environmental Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office and field setting. The work is intermittently sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Also, intermittently working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Overnight travel may be required.
Appointment Information
This is a Visiting full-time Academic Professional position. This position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The start date is negotiable and the budgeted starting salary for this position is $50,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 7, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13027?c=illinois by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. 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 references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Alison Stodola at alprice@illinois.edu or Sarah Douglass at sabales@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, 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 requirements, 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.