Assistant Research Scientist, Lead Quantitative Ecology - INHS/PRI at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Assistant Research Scientist, Lead 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 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 Lead Quantitative Ecologist to direct the quantitative ecology program through oversight of quantitative ecologists and unification of data workflows. 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 Illinois Waterway. This position will be based in Havana, Illinois.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Refine and utilize monitoring data as a mechanism to evaluate invasive carp harvest success in the Upper IL Waterway and explore applications in other parts of the Mississippi River Basin.


• Evaluate real-time receiver data to help inform harvest and other targeted projects to help improve invasive carp removal and reduce invasive carp abundance.


• Help maintain, curate, and quality-check harvest and multi-agency monitoring databases.


• 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 the efficiency and effectiveness of harvest.


• Work closely with and coordinate efforts between state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.


• Advise and co-advise MS and PhD graduate students as part of MAM sampling and other projects at the field station


• Seek external funding within the framework of field station operations and strategic planning


• Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.


• Coordinate quantitative approaches and direct/guide IRBS biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects.


• Oversee IRBS data workflows, quality insurance of data, and direct IRBS quantitative ecology program through oversight and coordination of IRBS quantitative ecologists.


• Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and the public through interactive and Shiny app tools, presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and in written reports.


• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.


• Supervise and mentor staff to ensure station-wide data integrity and adherence to strict and reproducible sampling procedures


• Serve as Co-PI to help develop, manage, and lead invasive carp management projects.


• Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.


• Participate in community outreach and service events, and mentor hourly and full-time quantitative 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 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

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 with analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Experience applying and intimate knowledge of Long-term resource monitoring sampling design and framework and experience using fisheries-independent relative abundance estimates to help guide invasive carp management. Experience analyzing advanced modeling approaches for fisheries or wildlife and familiarity with the implementation of ecological and multivariate models. Experience advising and establishing ecological data workflows and data quality assurance. Experience implementing Shiny apps for intuitive data interpretation and serving. Valid Driver's License.



Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience as a postdoc with the Prairie Research Institute and familiarity with IRBS data management to ensure a seamless integration into IRBS workflows.



Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong analytical skills and strong proficiency with R or SAS statistical software and its application to ecological-based statistics, especially those related to long-term monitoring design and aquatic invasive species research. 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 grant agencies and to scientific and public communities. Detailed knowledge of invasive carp management efforts and intimate knowledge of Long-term resource monitoring sampling design and framework. 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 (Word, Excel, Access), R or comparable platforms - including using the R language and equivalent programming languages to generate code for data exploration, and analysis and to build and execute Shiny and interactive dashboard applications, GIS, and other commonly used software is required.



Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The salary for this position is $84,000. 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 (Central Time) on November 18, 2024. 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. 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. 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: 1027636
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now