Job Description
Assistant Research Scientist, Quantitative Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute Illinois is a world leader in
research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and
the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and
addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of
knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it
because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can
contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity
and excellence of the Illinois community.
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 service 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. Learn more
at .
The Illinois Natural History Survey's Illinois River Biological
Station (IRBS) is one of six stations of the Upper Mississippi River
Restoration (UMRR) Program's Long Term Resource Monitoring Element (LTRM),
funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and administered by the United
States Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse,
Wisconsin. Staff here also coordinate the Long-Term Survey and
Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) on the Illinois River
Waterway and select pools on the Upper Mississippi River, black carp research
on the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River, fish and vegetation monitoring
and research at the Emiquon Preserve, and aid in the Illinois Department
of Natural Resources ongoing management of bighead and silver carps. The need for flexible research and monitoring
of water quality, and native and invasive aquatic organisms is the scientific
foundation of IRBS.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking
a
Quantitative Ecologist to synthesize and quantitatively evaluate invasive carp harvest and
telemetry data needed to help better inform rapid, adaptive invasive carp
harvest management and efficiency in the Upper Mississippi River. The
position duties will require a balance of field sampling, laboratory science,
data analysis, and writing. Scientists will have the opportunity to assist with
other ongoing aquatic ecology research objectives, analysis, and contribution
to research products at the field station and collaborate among field station
and partner agency scientists.
This position will be based in Havana,
Illinois. Duties & Responsibilities - Build
and evaluate predictive harvest models that contribute to invasive carp
management in the upper Mississippi River using telemetry and harvest
data. - Synthesize
and model invasive carp harvest, telemetry, and data on reproduction and
recruitment in the upper Mississippi River to help contribute to invasive
carp adaptive management and overall integrated pest management strategy. - Evaluate
current designs, sample sizes, gears, and effort allocations used to
sample carp in Illinois' rivers and identify best practices to increase
efficiency and effectiveness of harvest. - Work
closely with and coordinate efforts between 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 the
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 events, 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 lab
environment. Lab safety equipment use is
required. May require standing and
stationary positions. Occasional overnight travel may occur.
Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics
or ecological statistics 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 3 years of experience with
analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions
and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Valid Driver's
License.
Preferred Qualifications Ph.D.
in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, 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 3 years of experience applying statistical
techniques to ecological data and familiarity or have conducted field and
laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Ability to
apply statistical techniques to ecological data. Experience analyzing advanced
modeling approaches for fisheries or wildlife and familiarity with the
implementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong analytical skills and
strong proficiency with R or SAS statistical software and its application to
ecological-based statistics. Must be able to write clearly and scientifically
as demonstrated through prior publications. Must possess excellent
organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems.
Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently communicate
findings (verbally and in writing) to granting agencies and to scientific and
public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration,
organization, 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 Microsoft
Office, R or comparable platforms, GIS, and other commonly used software is
required.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a
12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the
position and continuation of funding. The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted
salary is $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications
and experience, while also considering internal equity
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on
September 12, 2024 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through 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. James Lamer at lamer@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, 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 : 1026535
Job Category : Research
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Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Flexible hours, Night shift,