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Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The PrairieResearch Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University ofIllinois at Urbana-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.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of thefive Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Quantitative Ecologist, who will be based out of the IllinoisRiver Biological Station (IRBS), to assist with IRBS database harmonization andconstruction to build a central data repository capable of serving severalecological modeling and inferential needs. Using ecological data and buildmodels to evaluate invasive carp management and measure ecological response inIllinois' rivers. This position will be based in Havana, Illinois and mayallow for remote or hybrid work opportunities.
The Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) is one of six stations ofthe Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program's Long Term ResourceMonitoring Element (LTRM), funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers andadministered by the United States Geological Survey's UpperMidwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse,Wisconsin. Staff here also coordinate the Long-Term Survey andAssessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) on the Illinois RiverWaterway and select pools on the Upper Mississippi River, black carp researchon the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River, fish and vegetation monitoringand research at the Emiquon Preserve, and aid in the Illinois Departmentof Natural Resources ongoing management of bighead and silver carps. The need for flexible research and monitoringof water quality, and native and invasive aquatic organisms is the scientificfoundation of IRBS.
Remote andHybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to beon-site as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.
Duties & Responsibilities Include

• Assimilate, curate, and harmonize disparate ecological and environmental data sources from existing and ongoing data collection on the major rivers of Illinois across partners.
• Create pipelines and data caches for continuous environmental data sources to be integrated into database and workflows for predictive modeling.
• Use existing harmonized data sets and continuous data sources to evaluate and predict invasive carp management strategies and native ecosystem response at varying invasive carp densities.
• Work closely with and coordinate efforts between IRBS, state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.
• Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Assist other biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects.
• Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and in written reports.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.
• Participate in community outreach and service event and mentor hourly staff.
• 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

Additional Physical Demands
The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Will require working in a labenvironment. Lab safety equipment use isrequired. May require standing andstationary positions. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill theresponsibilities of this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries,Statistics, or ecological statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fieldswill be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as itrelates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience and demonstratedanalytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questionsand demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts.Familiarity and experience with invasive carp data and analyses are required.Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Biology, Aquatic Ecology,Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or related field. Alternatedegree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of theexperience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experienceapplying statistical techniques to ecological data and familiarity or haveconducted field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquaticsystems. Experience analyzing invasive carp data and familiarity withimplementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred. Experiencemanaging and analyzing large data sets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong analytical skills and strongproficiency with R software and its application to ecological and invasivespecies-based statistics. Knowledge and experience in analyzing invasive carpdata are preferred. Knowledge of database architecture, schema designs, anddisparate river-related ecological data sets is preferred. Must be able towrite clearly and scientifically, as demonstrated through prior publications.Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to defineand solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze fielddata, and coherently communicate findings to grantingagencies and to scientific and public communities. Effective communication,personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadershipskills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-pacedwork environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringentdeadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, andstrong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Roracomparable platform, GIS, and other commonly used software is required.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting AcademicProfessional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually contingentupon available funding and programmatic needs. The position may be converted to a regularappointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations.
The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salaryis $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications andexperience, while also considering internal equity.
This position is unable to support sponsorship forwork authorization.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearlyoutlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2)a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including emailaddresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will notbe considered. For further information about this specific position, pleasecontact Dr. Jim Lamer at lamer@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact217-333-2137
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: 1037143
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu