Archaeology Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate ResearchScientist/Assistant Research Scientist
Illinois State ArchaeologicalSurvey
Prairie ResearchInstitute
University ofIllinois Urbana-Champaign
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), aresearch and service institute of the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, andIndianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range ofexpertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainabletechnology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provide objective,integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens anddecision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development,enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for thepeople, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.
TheIllinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie ResearchInstitute. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state'sarchaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs toprotect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewableresources within the context of Illinois' need to encourage and promotesustainable development.
Detailsfor the ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST
ISAS is seeking to hire an AssociateResearch Scientist, Archaeology to be responsiblefor coordinating compliance report preparation and managing remote fieldstations for the Survey; collaborating with the Transportation Section Head tomanage archaeological survey and testing projects, compliance reporting, anddaily operation of the Statewide Survey program throughout Illinois; and conducting scientific research focused onthe incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientificmission 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, museumstudies, or closely related discipline. At least 8 years of professionalexperience in a Cultural Resource Management, academic, or governmentarchaeological research environment. Thorough knowledge of federal and statelaws and regulations in relation to the management of archaelogical culturalresources. Familiarity with precontact and post contact history and materialculture in the continental United States. Meets the Secretary of Interior'sProfessional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61). ValidDriver's License.
Preferred:
Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closelyrelated discipline. Familiarity with Transportation archaeology andarchaeological survey and testing reports. Administrative experience in auniversity, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience informing and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevantnon-governmental organizations.
Appointment Information:
Thisis a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted range of salary for thisposition is $80,000-$100,000. The salary is competitive and commensuratewith qualifications and experience, while also considering internalequity.
Detailsfor the ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST
ISAS is seeking to hire an AssociateResearch Scientist, Archaeology to be responsible for coordinating compliance report preparation andmanaging remote field stations for the Survey; collaborating with theTransportation Section Head to manage archaeological survey and testingprojects and compliance reporting; and conducting scientific research focusedon the incumbent's area of study while contributing to the overall scientificmission 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 inanthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or closely related discipline. At least 3 years of professional experiencein a Cultural Resource Management, academic, or government archaeological researchenvironment. Proven thorough knowledge of federal and state laws andregulations in relation to the management of archaelogical cultural resources.Familiarity with precontact and post contact history and material culture inthe continental United States. Meets the Secretary of Interior's ProfessionalQualification 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 archaeologyand archaeological survey and testing reports. Administrative experience in auniversity, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience informing and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevantnon-governmental organizations.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time academic professionalappointment. The budgeted range ofsalary for this position is $65,000-$80,000. The salary is competitive andcommensurate with qualifications and experience, while also consideringinternal equity.
Information For Both Positions
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge ofarchaeological survey, testing, and data-recovery field procedures andcompletion of related compliance reports. Knowledge and experience with theHistoric Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; and Section 4(f) of theDepartment of Transporation Act of 1966. Effective communication,collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectivelyin a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple andchanging priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, andstrong conflict resolution skills. Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoingprojects. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
This position is eligible forsponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petitionthat would incur the $100,000 fee.
Application Procedures & DeadlineInformation
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm(Central Time) on Monday, October 19, 2026. Apply for this position by using the Apply Nowbutton 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 itrelates to this position, making sure to indicate which position for which youare applying, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information(including email addresses) for three professional references. Incompleteapplications will not be considered. For further information about thisspecific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. Forquestions 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.
Champaign-Urbana
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.
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.
Requisition ID: 1037847
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu