• Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: September 23, 2026

    Illinois State Archaeological Surveyacademic professional

    Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology
     Illinois State Archaeology Survey
     Prairie Research Institute

    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 services 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.

    The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute. 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. 

    ISAS is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology to conduct analysis of stone and mineral materials from archaeological sites including all aspects of lithic sample collection, identification, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and preparation for curation.

    Duties & Responsibilities Include

    Research

    • Develop and conduct analysis of precontact archaeological lithic assemblages from ISAS excavation projects;
    • Oversee staff in all aspects of lithic analysis (identification of raw materials, assemblage description, quantitative analysis, interpretation, writing and figure production, raw data publication);
    • Contribute to ISAS research output through grant applications, professional publications, and conference presentations;
    • Incorporate pXRF and PIMA into lithic analysis as appropriate.
    • Author report sections and edit reports and lithic analysis guidelines.

    Administration 

    • Coordinate work on multiple projects in various stages of completion;
    • Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to IDOT, ISAS and PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public;
    • Manage the ISAS lithic raw material collection.
    • Contribute to project management and tracking project status in coordination with the section head.

    Other

    • Conduct public engagement and educational activities that highlight the accomplishments of IDOT, ISAS, and PRI;
    • Complete required administrative documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines.
    • 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 the discipline.

    Minimum Qualifications
     Master's in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline. At least 3 years of professional experience in analysis of precontact lithic assemblages from the U.S. Midwest, including all stages of identification, analysis, interpretation, and reporting with a Master's. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations in relation to the management of archaeological cultural resources. Demonstrated ability to write and edit compliance archaeology reports. Familiarity with pre-contact and post-contact history and material culture in the continental United States. Must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61). Valid driver’s license.


    Preferred Qualifications
     Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline.  Familiarity with quantitative methods, GIS, graphics software, and archaeological databases. Familiarity with transportation archaeology and the production of archaeological survey, testing, and data recovery reports. Supervisory experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations.


    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
     Demonstrated expertise in the analysis and reporting of lithics from precontact time periods. Demonstrated ability to formulate and address anthropological questions using lithic data. Effective communication, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under minimal supervision in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects independently but with shared goals and timetables. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

    Appointment Information

    This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position.  The budgeted salary for this position is $65,000-$80,000.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
     
    This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. 

    Application Procedures & Deadline Information

    Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/17815?c=illinois using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting.  Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu 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 Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. 

    At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

    This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

    Benefits:  The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays 

    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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.