• Aquatic Ecology Database Developer

    Illinois Natural History Surveyhourly

    Aquatic Ecology Database Developer

    Illinois Natural History Survey 

    Prairie Research Institute 

                                                                                                    

     

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    The Database Developer role will assist the Illinois River Biological Field Station team in assimilating disparate long-term and targeted biological monitoring and research data sources into a functional database repository that is updateable and queryable across projects. The focus of the position will be normalization of disparate data structures according to best practices for databases and for use by ecologists. The position may also require metadata creation, data analytics, and visualization. It may also involve developing apps for field data entry that produce dashboard summary displays of recent information, perhaps in comparison to historic data, as well as QA/QC checks for data prior to commitment to the repository. The database developer may also participate in the design and development of API and backend components to generate data metrics and facilitate user access.

     

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Develop: Develop a database that combines multiple long-term (some 50+ years) and targeted research project biological data sets.  This database will support multiple data sources ranging from water quality, genetic data, chemical data, telemetry, mussel, and fisheries information.  
    • Metadata creation for historic and current data 
    • SQL program development 
    • Database modeling and creation of database structures 
    • API development 
    • Contribute to various projects 


    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Bachelor’s degree in the following areas: Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, with an emphasis in data management preferred 
    • Knowledge of relational databases and SQL Server
    • Knowledge of application programming interfaces (API) 
    • Working experience with Microsoft Office applications 
    • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills 
    • Passion for crafting and creating products to assist with data management 
    • Excellent time management and organizational skills 
    • Embodies an enthusiastic and helpful attitude 
    • Willingness and ability to give presentations and work closely with the IRBS director and scientists to ensure proper data interpretation and presentation. 
    • Familiarity with R programming language, RStudio UI, and Posit-Connect Platform
    • Familiarity with Git and integration of R and GitHub              

    Salary: $21 per hour, 10 – 20 hours per week (more hours possible if not currently enrolled as a student)                                                

    Available: Appointment length 3 - 12 months, with possibility for extension dependent on funding and project need.   

    Start Date: July 1, 2026 

    Work Hours: Typical work week consists of 7-4, M-F, but a flexible or part-time work schedule will be considered, especially for students.  This work can be performed remotely but will rely on close communication and coordination with the field station director and research team. 

    To Apply: Email cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references to Toby Holda at holda2@illinois.edu.  Reference “IRBS Database Position” in subject line).  For full consideration, applications should be received by 6/1/2026, but the position may be filled sooner when a suitable candidate is found.                                            

                                                     

    The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.