Merakey Jobs

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/12538101 Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology

Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Large River Ecologist who will evaluate invasive carp attractions and use of a fish movement system/ladder to identify conditions necessary to pass native and invasive fish.

This position is based in Havana, Illinois at the Illinois River Biological Station. However, remote work options may be available.

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.

As a Large River Ecologist, you will,

• Coordinate and design fish ladder evaluation for invasive carp and native fish species.
• Once conditions are identified to promote invasive carp and native fish passage, test design at strategic locations and explore utility and implementation of AI identification and sorting technologies.
• Work closely with and coordinate efforts between state, federal, and University partners associated with the project.
• Analyze data, synthesize results, and write annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present results of data analysis in annual technical reports and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and the public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and 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.
• Assist with proposal development and fostering and implementing new research ideas with the field station director.
• Supervise, mentor, and lead 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 travel approval.
• 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.

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.
• Experience modeling ecological data and familiarity or experience conducting field and laboratory research on invasive fish, fish passage, large rivers, or other large aquatic systems.
• Experience conducting research related to fish passage and familiarity with invasive fish/carp management, especially in relation to large rivers or other large freshwater ecosystems.
• Experience with R or SAS statistical software and its application to ecological-based statistics.
• Experience analyzing data and writing.
• Valid Driver\'s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing large data sets.
• Experience driving boats on rivers or other large bodies of water.
• Previous experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate with the Illinois River Biological Station at the Illinois Natural History Survey.

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 scientific and public communities.

Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork,