Visiting Scientific Specialist, Large River Ecology - INHS/PRI

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Large River Ecology

Illinois Natural History 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 Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Large River Ecologist who will contribute to monitoring and applied field and laboratory research and to the coordination of lab operations for the Illinois River Biological Station.

This is an in-person opportunity with the ability to be on site on a regular basis. This position is located at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities Include

• Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of laboratory and field-based research studies related to fisheries, river ecology, otolith analysis, and other aquatic science projects.
• Support the development of research methodologies, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workflows to support the collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of biological and environmental data.
• Contribute to and oversee the collection, processing, preparation, and analysis of otolith and other biological samples in support of research objectives.
• Apply established and emerging techniques for otolith preparation, including mounting, sectioning, photographing, age estimation, and measurement, and evaluate methods for improving accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Explore, mine, and integrate historical datasets and biological collections to support new and ongoing research questions.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary field and laboratory investigations, including fisheries, limnological, and hydrological research.
• Provide necessary information to public constituents, research associates, and collaborating research agencies.
• Maintain databases for various projects.
• Analyze data files to ensure quality control and assurance.
• Organize, document, archive, and manage research data and biological materials to ensure their integrity and availability for future natural history, ecological, and resource-management research.
• Contribute to the development and distribution of technical reports to granting agencies, the Survey, and PRI.
• Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Assist with the preparation of manuscripts and technical reports for peer-reviewed publications as well as presentations for professional meetings.
• Assist with training and mentoring technicians in research methods, laboratory techniques, data collection, sample processing, quality assurance, and established research protocols.
• Delegate tasks to technicians, inventory and catalog otolith and other biological materials in the lab and maintain lab safety and cleanliness.
• Assign and monitor research-related tasks to ensure data and samples are collected, processed, and documented accurately and according to project requirements.
• Assist with the supervision, training, and leadership of hourly technicians to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.
• Coordinate procurement of laboratory, field, and research supplies and equipment necessary to support ongoing studies.
• Ensure laboratory, field, marine, and research safety protocols are followed and appropriately incorporated into research activities.
• Prioritize and coordinate multiple research activities, timelines, and deliverables to ensure projects progress effectively and remain aligned with established objectives.
• Maintain appropriate research documentation and complete required administrative, compliance, certification, and project-related requirements accurately and within established deadlines.
• Assist with mileage tracking, project documentation, and other administrative activities necessary to support research operations.
• Assist with the communication of scientific research and findings to lay audiences and community members in a manner that promotes understanding and appreciation of natural resource research.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and delivery of IRBS outreach and educational activities.
• Collaborate with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other organizations on scientific outreach, education, and research initiatives.
• Participate in professional conferences, workshops, symposia, and other scientific meetings at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, University, and other state and federal agencies on professional, scientific, and interagency committees related to river ecology, fisheries, and natural resource research.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, and University on search committees, professional working groups, and other activities that support the broader scientific community and organizational mission.
• Operate and navigate watercraft and trailers to access sampling locations and conduct field research on commercially navigable waters.
• Participate in field sampling, environmental monitoring, biological collection, and other research activities necessary to support IRBS projects.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Physical Demands

Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, cold, etc.), travel (Including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois and neighboring states bordering the Upper Mississippi River lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience serving as a lab lead, responsible for overseeing technicians, including scheduling, task assignment, performance, and other related tasks. Experience inventorying and training staff on otolith preparation for age estimation and measuring and long-term storage. Experience creating SOPs for new laboratory procedures, techniques, or sample preparation. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Leica microscopes and cameras. Experience conducting large river fieldwork, including setting and pulling nets and electrofishing. Ability to swim is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2 years of lab experience; responsible for overseeing technicians, including scheduling, task assignment, performance, and other related tasks. A minimum of 2 year's experience inventorying and training staff in otolith preparation for age estimation, measuring, and long-term storage. Experience driving boats on rivers or other large bodies of water. Experience analyzing otolith data and large data sets in general.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently and communicate findings to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a 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. Proficiency in commonly employed software, including MS Office (Excel, Word, Access). Possess appropriate field and laboratory skills as well as physical skills necessary to carry out work. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff, and clients.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually contingent upon available funding and programmatic needs. The position may be converted to a regular appointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations.

The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary range is $48,000. The 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 November 9, 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 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 Dr. Jim Lamer at lamer@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.

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: 1039025

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu