Research Scientist - Guan Lab - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Research Scientist - Guan Lab - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center




Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment


As one of the nation's leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally.

The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) is a new research center aiming to be a world leading innovation powerhouse in advanced monitoring and modeling of agroecosystems for improving sustainability under climate change. ASC is jointly funded by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES),and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI). ASC gathers leading researchers from across the UIUC campus in the subject areas of biophysical and biochemical research in agroecosystems, primarily focusing on whole-plant and landscape-level studies to regional and global applications. The research is driven by co-founding and affiliated faculty members, professional staff scientists, postdocs and graduate students to advance science goals and technological innovations, with clear motivation to generate real-world solutions and impacts. ASC also has plans to work closely with industry partners and bring truly interdisciplinary educational opportunities for aspiring students at UIUC.



Job Summary

The research scientist position at Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) will lead research projects on one or more of the following areas: environmental sensing (plant/soil/management practices), biogeochemistry and sustainable agriculture, and global environmental change.



Duties & Responsibilities

• 60% - Conduct cutting-edge research related to developing and applying large-scale ecosystem biogeochemical modeling or remote sensing technologies or both, and publish research outputs in leading journals.
• 20% - Lead or support the management of research projects including supervision of relevant students, technicians, graduate students, and postdoc scholars.
• 10% - Lead or contribute to proposal development to secure research funds.
• 10% - Education, training, and outreach with researchers, students, farmers and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1.5+ years of post-PhD experience in one or more of the following areas: soil biogeochemical modeling; earth system modeling; ecosystem modeling; hyperspectral remote sensing; satellite remote sensing.
• PhD in field associated with modeling and/or remote sensing.
• Experience with using multi-source earth science data for large-scale modeling and sensing effort.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python).
• Prior experience in supercomputing or big data analytical systems.
• Proficiency in utilizing advanced data analytics, remote sensing techniques, and machine learning approaches.
• Experience with leading and managing research projects including supervising others.
• Experience with writing high-quality proposals.
• Experience in student mentoring.
• Strong publication record in domain-leading journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in the area of remote sensing, ecosystem modeling and environmental biogeochemistry with 3+ years of experience, with a demonstrated track record in publications, research fundings, and project management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of earth system science, crop science, agricultural science, and atmospheric science.
• Thorough understanding of agrometeorological principles, weather patterns, weather forecasts, and climate change.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and computer modeling.
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and AI applications.

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 the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000 to $75,000. 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 Monday, January 6, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Erica Hanson at 217-333-0034. 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: 1027941
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now