Postdoctoral Research Associate
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate, Climatology to conduct climate analyses in support of several efforts in the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), and start to grow a personal research program joining an interdisciplinary community of researchers and graduate students. Funding for the position is available for multiple years pending successful performance.
ISWS is part of PRI at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Our research and service programs provide citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct analyses, and lead data visualization of in situ atmospheric and soil observations in support of externally-funded research projects in the State Climatologist Office
- Conduct analyses, and provide graphical representations of them, of remote sensing observations and in situ data on mesoscale convective system interaction with urban areas, in support of a NSF-funded project on urban climatology
- Conduct and provide leadership in research resulting in publications in the peer-reviewed scholarly literature, reports, etc.
- Begin to develop an externally-funded research program through professional interactions, journal articles, scientific conferences and collaborations and contribute to proposals to federal, state or other funding organizations
- Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
Position requirements and Qualifications:
Education: Required: At the time of the appointment, applicants should hold a PhD with interest and expertise in Climate Sciences, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, or related field. Alternate degrees or degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the candidate’s experience at it relates to this position.
Preferred: PhD focused on development and utilization of statistical tools to understand in situ or remote sensing observations to better understand climate, climate change and its societal impact applications.
Experience: Required: A minimum of three years (including those related to educational activities) developing or utilizing statistical techniques for collecting, managing and analyzing environmental, geographic or geo-physical sciences research purposes leading to publication of at least one article in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Preferred: A minimum of five years (two of which are after completing PhD requirements) developing or utilizing advanced statistical and data analysis techniques on large datasets applied to climate, climate change or climate impact of climate-related fields resulting in three or more publications in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Knowledge Requirements: Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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.
Appointment: renewed annually with satisfactory progress and funding
Salary: Commensurate with skills and experiences; plus benefits; which includes 26 annual Vacation Days, 13 Sick Days, and 12 Holidays; Medical Insurances and many more benefits that can be found at the following link https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/UserFiles/Servers/Server_4208/File/Benefits/EmployeeBenefits.pdf
For full consideration: Please submit a CV, Cover Letter, and list of 3 Professional References to David Kristovich, Head – Center for Atmospheric Sciences, ISWS dkristo@illinois.edu This advertisement will stay active until the position is filled. Please send any additional questions to Jon Freiman HR Business Partner, PRI jcf@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.