Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Insect Monitoring - INHS/PRI at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Insect Monitoring
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 https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.


The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), which 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, is seeking a Visiting Assistant Research Scientist who will develop, plan, direct, and conduct basic and applied research of significance on selected harmful or economically significant insect pests, including non-native pets, pest of export significance, and/or pest not known to occur in the U.S.. This position will be based in Champaign, IL.


Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on research programs specific to the area of research.


• Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.


• Conceive, plan, coordinate, and conduct basic and applied research on insect pests.


• Develop and contribute to proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research


• Publish the results of original research in high-quality, peer-reviewed professional journals.


• Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for distribution to stakeholders.


• Develop and manage budgets for external grants.


• Recruit, hire, and train hourly staff.


• Supervise, mentor, and lead student and non-student hourly employees 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, travel approval, etc.


• Present research results at professional and scientific meetings and meetings with governmental agencies, commodity groups, or the public.


• Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and other services to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the State of Illinois.


• Actively participate in professional societies and associations that enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI


• Provide timely, authoritative information on the results of research to the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies.


• Represent the Survey and PRI at various meetings and symposia.


• Respond to requests for information from contract sponsors, staff, agencies, industries, and the public.


• Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.


• Keep abreast of developments in the field of entomology, especially invasive species, and agricultural pests.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph. D. in Entomology or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 10 years of experience with entomological work, of which at least 5 years must be post-Ph.D. Experience with planning and conducting research in entomology with an emphasis on agricultural pests; publishing results in peer-reviewed professional journals; presenting results at scientific meetings, to sponsoring agencies, and to the public; and demonstrated successful proposal writing background. Experience in insect taxonomy, especially aphids, including collection, preparation, identification, and maintaining specimen records/databases. Experience with conducting entomological assays and molecular work. Experience with supervision of lab personnel (including recruitment, training, and mentoring).



Preferred Qualifications

Experience in field lab management, including equipment, vehicles, and lab maintenance.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Background knowledge in entomology, in particular agricultural pests. 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. Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of advances in methods and techniques for field surveys and laboratory assays of invasive and agricultural pests. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills are required. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.



Appointment Information


This is a visiting full-time academic professional appointment. This position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The salary for this position is $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The start date is negotiable.



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on November 8, 2024. Apply for this position by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website 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 questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.


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 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: 1027560
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


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