Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Vertebrate Curator
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking to hire 1-2 Vertebrate Curators at either the Assistant Research Scientist or Associate Research Scientist level to administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing, and conducting an independent program of basic and applied research in Ichthyology or Herpetology. These positions will also be responsible for overseeing the curation of the Survey’s vertebrate collections. These positions will be based in Champaign, Illinois at the Illinois Natural History Survey.
Assistant Research Scientist Duties & Responsibilities:
- Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) leading an independent research program.
- Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
- Develop and contribute to proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research.
- Publish the results of original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals and other comparable publication records.
- Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for distribution to stakeholders.
- Curate, build upon, and manage collections within the Survey, particularly the Ichthyology or Herpetology collections.
- Assist with the identification and accessioning of specimens collected as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation Surveys and Assessments.
- Facilitate integration of internal and external research activities with collection curation and management.
- Develop external proposals for funding collection improvement, management, and growth.
- Serve as a member of the INHS Collections Committee.
- Develop and manage budgets for external grants.
- Serve on institutional committees.
- Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and other services to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the State of Illinois.
- Facilitate outreach activities with the campus and community highlighting PRI collections.
- Actively participate in professional societies and associations that enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI
- Provide timely, authoritative information on the results of research to the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies.
- Represent the Survey and PRI at various meetings and symposia.
- Respond to requests for information from contract sponsors, staff, agencies, industries, and the public.
- Serve on graduate advisory committees.
- Advise, supervise, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
- Serve as a guest lecturer on campus.
- 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.
Associate Research Scientist Duties & Responsibilities:
- All duties listed under the Assistant Research Scientist level plus,
- Facilitate internal and external collaborations to expand the research program.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead 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, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
- Provide scientific, and potentially administrative, leadership that enhances the reputation of PRI at both the national and international levels.
- Identify staffing needs and participate in the search process.
- Communicate results of investigations to a wide variety of audiences in a variety of venues.
- Review research proposals for outside scientific organizations at the national and international level upon request
- Review scientific manuscripts for national and international journals upon request.
- Maintain a sustained record of significant service to major scientific societies, journals, and the scientific community in general.
Additional Physical Demands
May require 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; and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Some of the work in this position takes place in an office setting. The work is 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. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Assistant Research Scientist Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in biology, organismal biology, evolutionary biology, ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. Experience in curating, management, outreach, or research associated with natural history collections. Valid Driver’s License.
Assistant Research Scientist Preferred Qualifications
Post-doctoral or other professional experience preferred. Experience or engagement with usage, management, and/or sharing of large datasets.
Associate Research Scientist Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in biology, organismal biology, evolutionary biology, ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience with curation, management, outreach, or research associated with natural history collections. Valid Driver’s License.
Associate Research Scientist Preferred Qualifications
Experience or engagement with usage, management, and/or sharing of large datasets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time Academic Professional appointment. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The minimum starting salary for this position is $84,000. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by January 16, 2024. Apply for this position at (https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/8851?c=illinois) 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 Amber Hall at amberh@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.