User Operations Associate Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Visiting Associate Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry - Illinois State Water Survey, PRI
Illinois State Water Survey
Job Summary
Service as Section Head of the Health and Environmental Applications Laboratory (HEAL). Provide expert support in developingand maintaining laboratory Quality Systems to achieve and maintain accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 and relatedaccreditation standards. Oversees all quality control activities including training and support of laboratory operations.Duties & Responsibilities

• Research - Chemical Laboratory 55% Serve as Principal Investigator for externally funded research grants and contracts, including new proposal development and delivery of sponsor-required outputs. Seek out fee-for-service analytical opportunities across PRI, UIUC, and globally. Provide strategic leadership and make high level decisions impacting laboratory operations, including service and analysis offerings, client outreach and development, and overall business functions. Oversee personnel management, including supervision of laboratory staff, hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and prioritization of staff responsibilities. In coordination with the Laboratory Manager and ISWS leadership, ensure staff are trained and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures and safety practices. Monitor budgets and make financial decisions; coordinate with ISWS leadership, PRI Accounting, and PRI Grants and Contracts to ensure laboratory future capabilities and financial success. Develop and maintain service rates with PRI and UI Purchasing staff in accordance with System Government Costing requirements; communicate changes to sponsors and clients in a timely manner. Oversee on-time client deliverable delivery and timely invoicing processes, including invoice generation, tracking, coordination with accounting, and follow-up on outstanding invoices; maintain familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Serve as the primary point of contact for client inquiries, analytical requests, audits, emergencies, facility issues, and other operational needs. Conduct internal reviews of process and safety audits to improve laboratory efficiency, quality, and compliance. Oversee purchasing and procurement activities, maintain purchasing card certification, and ensure timely and accurate expense reporting in coordination with PRI Purchasing.
• Research - Laboratory Technical Oversight 25% Stay current with developments in analytical methodologies, instrumentation, and client/research needs to ensure laboratory services align with best practices and proactively address emerging analytical research needs. Maintain familiarity with new and existing laboratory methods and analytical approaches. Assist with instrument maintenance and lifecycle planning. Collaborate with instrument troubleshooting in coordination with the Laboratory Manager. Lead innovative and original research efforts in water analytics. Submit proposals to external funding agencies to support original research objectives. Collaborate with other ISWS, PRI, UIUC, and external scientists to draft successful proposals and perform water-related research.
• Research Quality Assurance 10% Work closely with the Quality Assurance staff to review, approve, and report data in a timely manner. Collaborate to resolve analytical issues, data quality concerns, and other factors affecting data integrity and reporting.
• Professional Engagement 10% Lead laboratory staff meetings and participate in PRI and ISWS meetings to remain aligned with organizational priorities. Conduct outreach to expand the laboratory client base and strengthen engagement with UIUC, PRI, and external partners. Stay current with developments in the discipline through training, conferences, and professional activities; travel may be required. Perform additional duties as needed to support the mission and goals of PRI and the University of Illinois.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
• Work is primarily conducted in laboratory and office setting with responsibility for overseeing facilities, staff, and laboratory operations.
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
• Duties may include responding to audits, inspections, emergencies, or facility issues.
• Travel may be required for meetings, conferences, and outreach activities, including occasional overnight stays.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD with ≥5 yrs. professional experience, or MS/MA with ≥8 yrs. professional experience, or BS/BA with ≥10 yrs. professional experience in chemistry laboratory. Degree in chemistry, or related.• A driver's license is required.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience directing or managing a fee for service laboratory or cost recovery operation.
• Familiarity with academic, governmental, or contract research work settings.
• Experience developing client relationships, expanding services, and supporting program growth.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to serve as Principal Investigator on externally funded projects, including proposal development, sponsor communication, and delivery of project outcomes.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to make independent, high level decisions affecting laboratory operations, strategy, and direction.
• Proven experience managing personnel, including hiring, supervision, performance management, conflict resolution, and workforce planning.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee laboratory operations and ensure compliance with SOPs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and coordinating with accounting and grants/contracts personnel.
• Experience developing and managing service rates in accordance with institutional or governmental costing requirements.
• Knowledge of invoicing processes, financial tracking, and account management; familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for directing a team and with the ability to serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, auditors, institutional stakeholders, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct internal reviews and audits and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and compliance.
• Experience with procurement, purchasing, and expense reporting within institutional guidelines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and operational demands in a complex environment.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/17/2026. Position may become regular non-visiting at future date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $80,000 to $90,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H 1 B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.
Please note that interviews may take place before the close of the job ad. No offers will be extended until after the close of the job advertisement.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 18th 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. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jon Freiman HR Business Partner at jcf@ilinois.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.
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: 1037327
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu