Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Environmental Archaeologist
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Central Offices/Central Illinois Field Station
Champaign/Urbana, IL 

Application Deadline Extended to 03/31/19

The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

ISAS is seeking an Assistant or Associate Research Scientist, Environmental Archaeologist (assistant or associate level is dependent on qualifications) to develop, plan, conduct, direct, and participate in specialized research programs of significance for climate and environmental-focused archaeological/anthropological research. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Responsibilities, which will vary depending on position level:

• Provide problem-oriented geo-archaeological, sedimentological, hydrological, and/or bio-chemical expertise that complements current and future ISAS research in the North American Midwest focused on landscapes, long-term cultural and climate change, agricultural development, and migration.
• Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
• Develop proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research.
• Serve as principal investigator, lead research projects, and perform tasks in that capacity including management of grant funding and efficient production of project, grant, or contract reports and deliverables.
• Collaborate with survey scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for publication in Survey publications.
• Publish the results of original research in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals and other outlets that have a rigorous review process.
• Interact extensively with land managers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Provide authoritative and current information on the results of research projects for the public, other scientists, industry, and/or governmental agencies, and effectively communicate research results through writing and public speaking.
• Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both the individual and organizational levels. For direct reporting staff, this also includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation, career/position mentoring, and leave/travel approval.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
• Mentor graduate students within the University of Illinois and/or other regional universities.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state and national level.
• Actively participate in professional societies and associations.
• Attend scientific conferences and sponsor-led work groups as a technical expert and present papers and results.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Assistant Research Scientist qualifications:  Required: Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field with a geoarchaeological or biochemical specialization. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience in academic research environment. Experience administering and conducting field and laboratory research in the Americas. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Ability to establish a research program which includes both independent and collaborative research projects. Potential to effectively acquire and manage project funds and resources. Capacity to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and effectively supervise and mentor associated personnel. Early career track record for publishing in high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, 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. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Valid driver’s license.  Preferred:  Experience conducting archaeological research activities. Established field research site or program. Experience incorporating extant archaeological collections into current research. Research interests in the Mississippi valley. Experience in cultural resource management. Background as a North American archaeologist with geo-archaeological, sedimentological, hydrological, and/or bio-chemical research that complement that of ISAS staff and speaks to questions of climate change, food production, ecology, society, and the Anthropocene. Record of active participation in professional societies and associations.

Associate Research Scientist qualifications:  Required:  Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field with a geoarchaeological or biochemical specialization. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.  At least five years' experience in specialized area of research. Experience in academic research environment. Experience administering and conducting field and laboratory research in the Americas. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience.  Background as an Americanist archaeologist with geo-archaeological, sedimentological, hydrological, and/or bio-chemical research that complement that of ISAS staff and speaks to questions of climate change, food production, ecology, society, and the Anthropocene. Ability to establish a research program which includes both independent and collaborative research projects. Capacity to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and effectively supervise and mentor associated personnel. Has a sustained progression of professional development that includes publishing research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed scientific journals, external funding, mentorship, leadership and service. Record of active participation in professional societies and associations. Effective communication, personal relations, organizational, 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. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Valid driver’s license   Preferred:  Background as a North American archaeologist.

This is a regular full-time academic professional appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable and salary is commensurate with experience. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 31, 2019; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Applicants may be interviewed before March 9, 2019; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board to complete an online profile and to upload 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a résumé/CV, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional references. All requested information/documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. For technical inquiries please contact Dr. Timothy Pauketat at pauketat@illinois.edu or Dr. Kristin Hedman at khedman@illinois.edu.  The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.  Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encourage to apply.  For more information visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.  To learn more about the University's commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusive.illinois.edu