Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid time Off

Tuition waivers for employees and/or?

Job summary

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Illinois State Archaeology Survey (Prairie Research Institute) seeks an Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology to lead lithic analysis, oversee staff, and contribute to research outputs. The role emphasizes rigorous reporting, compliance with laws, and collaboration with IDOT, PRI, and other partners.

Minimum qualifications include a Master's with 3+ years of lithic analysis experience, with preferred Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Master's in anthropology, archaeology, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of professional lithic analysis in the U.S. Midwest.
• Knowledge of federal/state laws for cultural resources and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct lithic analysis of assemblages from ISAS projects.
• Oversee staff in lithic analysis and report production.
• Contribute to ISAS research via grants, publications, and conferences.
• Integrate pXRF and PIMA into lithic analysis as appropriate.
• Prepare report sections and lithic analysis guidelines.

Skills

Lithic analysis

Report writing

Communication

Time management

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in anthropology/archeology

Ph.D. in anthropology/archeology

Tools

GIS

Graphics software

Archaeological databases

Job description

Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology

Illinois State Archaeology Survey Prairie Research Institute

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 State 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 services 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 across Illinois, the nation, and the world. The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute. 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. ISAS is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology to conduct analysis of stone and mineral materials from archaeological sites including all aspects of lithic sample collection, identification, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and preparation for curation.

Duties & Responsibilities Include:

Research

• Develop and conduct analysis of precontact archaeological lithic assemblages from ISAS excavation projects;
• Oversee staff in all aspects of lithic analysis (identification of raw materials, assemblage description, quantitative analysis, interpretation, writing and figure production, raw data publication);
• Contribute to ISAS research output through grant applications, professional publications, and conference presentations;
• Incorporate pXRF and PIMA into lithic analysis as appropriate.
• Author report sections and edit reports and lithic analysis guidelines.

Administration

• Coordinate work on multiple projects in various stages of completion;
• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to IDOT, ISAS and PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public;
• Manage the ISAS lithic raw material collection.
• Contribute to project management and tracking project status in coordination with the section head.

Other

• Conduct public engagement and educational activities that highlight the accomplishments of IDOT, ISAS, and PRI;
• Complete required administrative documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois;
• Keep abreast of developments in the discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline. At least 3 years of professional experience in analysis of precontact lithic assemblages from the U.S. Midwest, including all stages of identification, analysis, interpretation, and reporting with a Master's. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations in relation to the management of archaeological cultural resources. Demonstrated ability to write and edit compliance archaeology reports. Familiarity with pre-contact and post-contact history and material culture in the continental United States. Must meet the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61). Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline. Familiarity with quantitative methods, GIS, graphics software, and archaeological databases. Familiarity with transportation archaeology and the production of archaeological survey, testing, and data recovery reports. Supervisory experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization. Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated expertise in the analysis and reporting of lithics from precontact time periods. Demonstrated ability to formulate and address anthropological questions using lithic data. Effective communication, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under minimal supervision in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects independently but with shared goals and timetables. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The budgeted salary for this position is $65,000-$80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits.

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• a Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

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 Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

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 accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].