Associate Research Scientist, Botany - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

Illinois Natural History Survey

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit go.illinois.edu/PRIjob

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Botanist to develop, plan, direct, and conduct basic and applied research by coordinating, supervising, and managing research, technical work, and projects in botany. This position fits within the Biological Surveys and Assessment Group whose primary function is to evaluate Illinois Department of Transportation projects and their impacts to threatened and endangered species. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

Job Summary

Develop, plan, direct, and conduct basic and applied research by coordinating, supervising, and managing research, technical work, and projects in botany.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research
  • Develop and maintain data assets within existing geospatial database.
  • Conduct, develop, and participate in research and service activities.
  • Develop and contribute to proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research.
  • Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
  • Support other Survey and PRI staff with data collection, interpretation, and analysis.
  • Contribute specimens and data to the Survey Collection.
  • Implement modern data collection standards for field data.
  • Conduct searches for distribution records, prepare and disseminate reports to funding agencies describing survey methods and results, and provide data to resource databases.
  • Produce reports necessary to meet contract and grant deliverables and prepare technical reports.
  • Synthesize, analyze, and summarize results of field investigations and other research.
  • Conduct and direct field operations and lead field crews and students.
  • Plan, organize, and conduct field work.
  • Serve as the primary contact with the Program Leader, planning seasonal field work, supervision of staff, and preparation of reports.
  • Conduct surveys and/or habitat assessments, especially on threatened and endangered species in IDOT project areas.
  • Conduct independent research and write scientific manuscripts.
  • Standardize field botany group data collection protocols, technical reports, and data management.
• Administrative
  • Supervise, mentor, evaluate, promote, and lead academic professionals and hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and purchase and travel approval.
  • Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
  • Lead recruitment and hiring of academic professionals and hourly employees for the program.
  • Develop and maintain data assets with modern database design, collection, and archival.
• Outreach
  • Respond to requests from the Survey and PRI management regarding contract activities and areas of expertise.
  • Provide technical expertise to staff, government agencies, academia, industry, and the public.
  • Attend scientific conferences and training courses and presents papers and results.
  • Contribute in the areas of education and outreach to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the State of Illinois.
  • Enhance the reputation of the survey and PRI at the state, national, and international levels.
  • Represent the Survey and PRI at professional meetings conferences, and training workshops.
  • Collaborate with Survey staff, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Other
  • Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
  • Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Additional Physical Demands

Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Some of the work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in appropriate biological science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 8 years of experience collecting and analyzing field data for the completion of botanical studies; this includes familiarity with the equipment and proper skills for collecting specimens. Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

A minimum of 3 years of experience with administrative duties associated with leading teams of employees and satisfying sponsor-related deliverables. Experience with modern data management, QA/QC, and automated data pipelines.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have strong knowledge of the flora of the mid-western United States, in field identifications and the ability to determine unknown species and recognize high-quality natural areas of Midwestern fauna, plus the knowledge of Illinois' endangered and threatened species and their habitat requirements. Must have strong leadership and administrative skills and the ability to manage large projects. Must have demonstrated ability in writing grant proposals and planning and conducting research activities. Must have strong skills and training in an appropriate biological discipline. Must have familiarity with scientific literature, biological and bibliographic databases, and specimen archival for botanical collection. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/3/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 12, 2023. 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 Amber Hall, amberh@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1017530
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu