Description:

Assistant Research Scientist, Bedrock Geology

Illinois State Geological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS 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. 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.

ISGS is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Bedrock Geology to conceive, recommend, implement, direct, and participate in basic and applied research related to bedrock geology and industrial minerals.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigate the factors controlling the distribution and occurrences of aggregates, carbonates, mineral resources, and other natural resources, within Illinois and vicinity. This would include the sedimentological, geochemical, tectonic, or other geologic processes that formed the bedrock, aggregate and mineral resources of Illinois.
• Produce 1:24,000 scaled geologic maps, cross sections, geologic columns and detailed reports of the area mapped.
• Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities, including collaborations with the Illinois aggregate and mineral industry, and governmental agencies.
• Develop proposals for external funding and secure funding to support independent research.
• Prepare internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, and scientific reports for publication in Survey publications.
• Preform well-site geology, measure, log and describe core.
• Publish results of investigations in Survey publication series and other venues and formats, including peer-reviewed journal articles, public information pamphlets and posters, geologic maps, web pages, scientific abstracts, and databases.
• Interact extensively with stakeholders, aggregate and mineral resource industry, governmental agencies, 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 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, University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state and national level.
• Actively participate in professional societies and associations.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in geology, economic geology, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 3 years related industry or research experience with master’s degree. Demonstrated expertise in specialized area of research. Supervisory and/or team leadership experience. Must have an understanding of a wide range of geological processes including sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and mineralogy; an understanding of the integrated geological history of Illinois; and an understanding for aggregates and minerals, including critical minerals as recently defined by the United States Geological Survey, which are becoming of increasing importance for national security and technological advantage. Ability to establish a research program which includes both independent and collaborative research and geologic mapping 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 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. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to make sound value judgments, translate research findings into management recommendations and/or fundamental ecological concepts, both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to the scientific and lay communities. 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 Qualifications: Ph.D. in geology, economic geology, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Record of active participation in professional societies and associations.

This is a full-time regular 12-month academic professional position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications must be received by July 2, 2021. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; 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 (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:Assistant Research Scientist, Bedrock Geology - Illinois State Geological Survey (146451) Open Date:05/21/2021 Close Date:07/02/2021 Organization Name:IL State Geological Survey