• Associate or Assistant Research Scientist, Archaeology - Deadline to Apply: October 19, 2026

    Illinois State Archaeological Surveyacademic professional

    Associate Research Scientist/Assistant Research Scientist

    Illinois State Archaeological Survey

    Prairie Research Institute

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    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. 

    Details for the ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST

    ISAS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology to be responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects, compliance reporting, and daily operation of the Statewide Survey program throughout Illinois;  and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    Research 

    • Review and edit Archaeological Survey Short Reports (ASSR) and other Section 106 compliance documents and project status reports.
    • Track project and compliance documentation status.
    • Coordinate archaeological survey and testing field projects with the Transportation Section Head, Field Station Coordinators, and Illinois Department of Transportation contacts.
    • Provide technical and archaeological expertise, field services, and advice to ISAS Field Station Coordinators and staff.
    • Develop an active research program in the archaeology of the US Midwest, Southeast, and/or Plains.

    Research Administration

    • Track project and compliance documentation status.
    • 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 survey vehicle fleet maintenance. 
    • Develop and maintain guidelines and templates for cultural resource compliance documentation and reporting.
    • Coordinate with other units in ISAS including the historic archaeology and architecture section.

    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 this discipline.

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Required:

    Master's Degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closely related discipline. At least 8 years of professional experience in a Cultural Resource Management, academic, or government archaeological research environment. Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations in relation to the management of archaelogical cultural resources. Familiarity with precontact and post contact history and material culture in the continental United States. Meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61). Valid Driver's License.

    Preferred: 

    Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closely related discipline. Familiarity with Transportation archaeology and archaeological survey and testing reports. Administrative experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations.

    Appointment Information:

    This is a full-time academic professional appointment.  The budgeted range of salary for this position is $80,000-$100,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. 


    Details for the ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST

    ISAS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Archaeology to be responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testing projects and compliance reporting; and conducting scientific research focused on the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    Research

    • Review and edit Archaeological Survey Short Reports (ASSR) and other Section 106 compliance documents and project status reports.
    • Coordinate archaeological survey and testing field projects with the Transportation Section Head, Field Station Coordinators.

    Research Administration

    • Track project and compliance documentation status.
    • 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 survey vehicle fleet maintenance. 
    • Update and maintain guidelines and templates for cultural resource compliance documentation and reporting.

    Other

    • Conducts 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 this discipline.

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Required:

    Master's Degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closely related discipline.  At least 3 years of professional experience in a Cultural Resource Management, academic, or government archaeological research environment. Proven thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations in relation to the management of archaelogical cultural resources. Familiarity with precontact and post contact history and material culture in the continental United States. Meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61).  Valid driver’s license.

    Preferred: 

    Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closely related discipline.  Familiarity with Transportation archaeology and archaeological survey and testing reports. Administrative experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations.

    Appointment Information:

    This is a full-time academic professional appointment.  The budgeted range of salary for this position is $65,000-$80,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. 

    Information For Both Positions

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    Demonstrated knowledge of archaeological survey, testing, and data-recovery field procedures and completion of related compliance reports. Knowledge and experience with the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transporation Act of 1966. Effective communication, 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.  Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

    This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

    Application Procedures & Deadline Information

    Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, October 19, 2026. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/17933?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, making sure to indicate which position for which you are applying, 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.