Principal Research Scientist - Illinois State Geological Survey/Prairie Research Institute

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Principal Research Scientist - Illinois State Geological Survey/Prairie Research Institute

Company: University of Illinois
Location: Urbana, IL
Employment Type: Full Time
Date Posted: 12/05/2025
Job Categories: Education, Science, Collegiate Faculty, Staff, Administration, Research & Development

Job Description

Principal Research Scientist - Illinois State Geological Survey/Prairie Research Institute
<h2 style="text-align: center">Director, Illinois State Geological Survey </h2><h3 style="text-align: center">Illinois State Geological Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</h3>The Prairie Research Institute at the University of IllinoisUrbana–Champaign is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the next Directorof the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). Based in Champaign,Illinois, the Director will guide a renowned team of scientists, researchers,and professionals dedicated to advancing geoscience research and addressing criticalnatural resource and environmental challenges.  This dual-role position offers a unique opportunity to direct strategicinitiatives, lead groundbreaking research, and influence the future ofgeoscience through high-impact research and statewide service.  The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute housesfive large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise includingbiology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, andarchaeology.  PRI’s mission is to provideobjective, integrated scientific research and services that ensure sustainableeconomic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resourcepreservation. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.The Directorof ISGS will provide strategic direction and overall administration for theSurvey.  As Director, you will<ul><li>Provide leadership, direction, and overall administration for the development, coordination, and implementation of scientific research and service programs undertaken and provided by the ISGS. </li><li>Oversee ISGS annual budget and coordinate with PRI leadership in facilitating ISGS development efforts. </li><li>Collaborate with the PRI Executive Director in strategic program planning, resource allocation, organizational development, and implementation of programs.</li><li>Participate in PRI leadership, effectively representing the interests of ISGS to PRI and advise PRI Executive Director and other PRI leaders regarding matters pertinent to the mission of ISGS and PRI.</li><li>Identify cutting-edge research foci and other multi-disciplinary research themes related to ISGS and PRI. </li><li>Encourage, promote, and facilitate research within ISGS and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois administration, community, and its stakeholders and external constituents.</li><li>Represent ISGS interests and capabilities to local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. </li><li>Supervise and lead ISGS Management and staff to achieve success and foster an inclusive culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching/mentoring and feedback, career development planning, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.</li><li>Ensure ISGS gathers, disseminates, and archives accurate, objective, and relevant scientific information with a focus on geologicaland mineral resources for government officials and agencies, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and the public.</li><li>Encourage and lead a strong commitment to diversity through establishing retention and recruiting priorities, as well as personally exhibiting a commitment to inclusion.</li><li>Foster a culture of open communication. </li><li>Promote awareness of and education about safety and safe working methods. </li><li>Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and support, and encourage others to develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviors so that they can reach their full potential for the greater benefit of the University.</li><li>Take a holistic view and work enthusiastically and creatively to analyze problems and develop innovative and workable solutions. Identify opportunities for innovation.</li><li>Encourage and promote research enterprises including proposal writing, research innovation, teaching, and education. Identify and secure state, federal, and private sources of funding.</li><li>Encourage, foster, and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois, community, and its stakeholders and with external constituents.</li></ul>As Principal Research Scientist, you will<ul><li>Independently coordinate and develop a significant research/investigations program, secure associated funding opportunities, and perform tasks in that capacity including management of grant funding and efficient production of project, grant, manuscripts, or contract reports and deliverables.</li><li>Collaborate with survey scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues (national and international) to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs. </li><li>Actively collaborate with the University faculty, through joint research proposals, joint publications, invited lectures, and similar</li><li>Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, technical survey reports, maps, databases, or other service-related deliverables, as well as participate in various internal or external review committees, and serve as a survey-wide scientific advisor in this area.</li><li>Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.</li><li>Contribute to the areas of outreach and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.</li><li>Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international levels.</li><li>Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.</li><li>Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.</li></ul>Minimum Qualifications<ul><li>Ph.D. in a scientific discipline relevant to the mission and goals of the ISGS. </li><li>Significant experience in an academic or government research environment; administrative and leadership experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. </li><li>Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations.</li><li>An established record of obtaining sponsored funding from state and federal agencies, and the private sector and actively facilitating research endeavors.</li><li>A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in an academic or government research environment. </li><li>Administrative experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. </li></ul>Preferred Qualfications<ul><li>Experience conducting a research program that complements and/or promotes collaboration with among scientists.</li><li>Experience with delivering unbiased science that independently impacts public policy.</li></ul>Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesEffective communication, personal relations,collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstratedability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environmentconsisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, underminimal supervision.  Attention todetail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency incommonly employed software and databases. Excellent budget management resourceallocation and decision-making skills. Strong time-management skills and theability to manage multiple ongoing projects and proposals simultaneously.BenefitsThe University of Illinois offersa wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays <h4>Appointment Information</h4>This is a 100% full-time, in-person Academic Professional position requiring occasional travel.  The budgetary salary range for this positionranges from $115,000-$175,000 plus a $25,000 stipend for the Directorrole.  We strive to provide a competitivesalary considering factors such as available market data, internal equity,candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, andbudget constraints.  The final salaryoffer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.  The start date is negotiable.  This position is not considered a tenure-track faculty position.  <h4>Application Procedures & Deadline Information</h4>Applications must bereceived by 6:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, January 16, 2026. To apply: please select the Apply Now button atthe top or bottom of the page.  Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered.Interviews may take place before the closing date, with the understanding thatno hiring decisions will be made until after the close date. Applicationmaterials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines yourqualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV orresume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) forthree professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.For further information about this specific position, please contact JillBillerman at jrandell@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact217-333-2137.The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of <a href="https://go.illinois.edu/workatillinois">Employee Benefits</a>.<hr>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 <a href="https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters" target="_blank">Required Employment Notices and Posters</a> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf" target="_blank">E-Verify</a>.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 <a href="https://illinois-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/" target="_blank">portal</a>, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing <a>accessibility@illinois.edu</a>.<hr>Requisition ID: 1032834 Job Category: Research Apply at: <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a><a name="HEJobs" type="hidden" value="Yes"></a><a name="Billing_Name" type="hidden" value="Jill Billerman"></a><a name="Billing_Email" type="hidden" value="jrandell@illinois.edu"></a>

Contact Information

Company Name: University of Illinois
Website: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/ca...
Company Description:

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