Description:

Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Sustainability

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

ISTC is seeking to hire a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Sustainability (up to two depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to collaborate with businesses, manufacturing, and industrial entities, as well as municipal agencies, colleges, and universities throughout Illinois to provide technical assistance in identifying opportunities and implementing solutions to improve efficiency associated with materials, processes, water and wastewater, and energy utilization.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze data from pollution prevention assessments and identify opportunities for environmental savings.
• Target the triple bottom-line (people, planet and profit) by promoting identified opportunities and sustainable practices for businesses, municipalities, and state and federal agencies using research and assessment data.
• Develop business cases for implementation of sustainable practices using data collection.
• Collect, compile, and report environmental outcomes and project outputs.
• Contribute to project reports for funding sponsors.
• Assist clients with facilitation and implementation of Survey recommended opportunities using research and assessment data.
• Participate in pilot-scale projects for innovative processes in the area of industrial and municipal solid waste reuse, reduction, recycling, renewable energy and waste to energy methods.
• Collect, process, and analyze data from these activities for the purposes of identifying suitable technologies for introduction to University organizations and Illinois companies.
• Collaborate with University and industry to transfer the technology and knowledge to other clients and the research industry.
• Present technical reports/papers/data to clients at professional events/conferences regarding services and/or research results.
• Prepare and disseminate technical reports and publications to be published in professional journals, newsletters, peer-reviewed journals, etc.
• Identify and secure clients within Illinois' business, government and not-for profit arenas. These clients could include the Survey's current network of clients, consultants, vendors, local/state and federal agencies and private environmental and sustainability organizations.
• Conduct on-site pollution prevention assessments independently and in conjunction with representatives from Survey and partner agencies.
• Identify material and process optimization; water conservation; energy efficiency and waste minimization opportunities within client facilities.
• Assist with research, data gathering and analysis, content development, and publications.
• Keep abreast of development in this discipline.
• Work jointly with a number of varied constituencies while observing standards of professional conduct
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental science, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be accepted/considered based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 2 years related industry or research experience with bachelor's degree. Internships may be considered as experience. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, 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. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff and PRI clients. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. The work of this position takes place both in an office setting and visiting sites in an industrial setting. At times, lifting and carrying items in excess of 35 pounds may be involved. Some work may need to be performed in less than ideal conditions. Some of the work requires periodic travel to field offices and industry locations. Occasional overnight travel may occur. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in engineering, business, economics, environmental science, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be accepted/considered based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience in helping develop projects that lead to contracts. Experience in understanding, identifying, and satisfying customer needs. Active participation in industry associations, attendance at trade shows, or other industry related organizations.

This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications must be received by May 19, 2021. Interviews and hiring may be conducted before the closing date due to this being a multi-hire search. 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 (not personal) 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.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility

College Name or Administrative Unit:Office of Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Category:6-Research Title:Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Sustainability - Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (145386) Open Date:05/05/2021 Close Date:05/19/2021 Organization Name:IL Sustainable Technology Ctr