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 large 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 governments of Illinois. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/
PRI in partnership with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) and the Great Lakes Higher Education Consortium (GLHEC) through the Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation at the University of Illinois System, is seeking a Coastal Resilience Scientist to conduct impactful research, enhance outreach programs, and foster collaborations in Great Lakes coastal resilience. Great Lakes coastal resilience is vital, focusing on the dynamic interaction across the critical interface encompassing land, coast, and water in response to human and climate-induced ecological and geomorphological changes. This role requires enhancing coordination, communication, and teamwork within the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) and across other university units. It involves developing and leading comprehensive outreach programs to educate a range of stakeholders from government officials to the general public about coastal resilience challenges and viable management solutions. Interaction with external partners, including governmental bodies, industries, and NGOs, is essential, along with fostering international collaborations and effectively disseminating study results through various mediums and platforms. Position will be based in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Lead and conduct research in Great Lakes coastal resilience focusing on the critical land-coast-water interface and the interaction between various scientific domains
- Serve as principal investigator, managing grant funding, producing reports, and delivering research outputs related to coastal issues
- Identify and pursue externally funded research opportunities related to coastal resilience to drive multidisciplinary collaborative research including the development of a Great Lakes Coastal Observatory
- Facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork within PRI and with other University units and external colleagues
- Engage with colleagues from various regions on common coastal resilience issues and the development of multi-state/multi-national projects
- Collaborate with IISG partners to ensure the inclusiveness of under-resourced communities in the Lake Michigan resilience network
- Develop and implement outreach programs informed by applied research outcomes to educate various stakeholders about coastal resilience challenges and solutions, with emphasis on underserved audiences
- Communicate research results through diverse channels such as journal articles, public pamphlets, social media, workshops, and public speaking
- Engage with a variety of stakeholders, including elected officials, industry representatives, international partners, and the general public to promote the value of coastal research
- Provide technical guidance to various municipal, state, and federal management agencies involved in coastal resilience activities and planning
- Review and analyze existing laws and statutes for compatibility with the impacts of lake-level change for the purpose of defining regional coastal resilience recommendations
- Respond to information requests, providing technical expertise to a variety of stakeholders
- Contribute to educational, outreach, and service areas to PRI, GLHEC, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois
- Enhance the reputation of PRI, GLHEC, and IISG at the state, national, and international levels
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in geological/earth science, ecology, biology, environmental science, atmospheric science, or engineering with a minimum of 5 years related industry or research experience, which includes experience conducting research in Great Lakes or ocean coastal settings and supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Experience and/or knowledge with protocols, techniques, and equipment used by Great Lakes coastal scientists and ecologists. Experience in data analysis and communication including report writing and publication of research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and record of writing successful externally sponsored grant proposals. Interest and evidence of ability to develop and execute a coastal resilience outreach/extension program. Established scientific and publication record or equivalent professional achievement and experience. Demonstrated experience in writing grant proposals for external funding support. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with environmental extension and outreach, including delivering in-person outreach events, and developing virtual and written engagement media. Experience operating boats or service as a boat crew member on large lakes and/or other navigable waterways. Experience with nature-based engineering solutions of community climate resilience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Understand the need for specific science needs to solve fundamental societal issues along the Great Lakes coasts. Skill in leading, managing, and carrying out diverse multidisciplinary research and service programs. Ability to establish and sustain an independent research program through acquiring and managing project funds and resources. Ability to work harmoniously to achieve organizational goals. Ability to be an effective spokesperson communicating results of scientific research to the general public, industry, and government. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientific professionals with diverse expertise and subject matter interests. Ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under no supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
Work Environment:
The work of this position takes place in an office and field settings. The work is often sedentary and involves extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Travel is required to attend meetings and perform fieldwork including overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Fieldwork may be under adverse conditions (e.g., inclement weather, remoteness, moderate physical exertion). Position involves domestic and international travel. Position involves lifting and manipulating field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain. Ability to operate or serve as a crew member on small vessel platforms (less than 40 feet in length) on the Great Lakes.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. Salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $110,000.
Benefits:
The University of Illinois offers a 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.
Closing Date: February 23, 2024
