Lead Scientist & Research Coordinator, Road Ecology

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Roadside Ecology Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale seeks a Lead Scientist/Coordinator to supervise the biology and wetland science team and oversee compliance with IDOT responsibilities.

You will triage taskings, assign projects, ensure quality, and guide data-to-publication processes, while representing the center in interagency contexts and advancing applied road ecology research in southern Illinois.

Qualifications

• PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation biology, environmental science, or closely related field.
• 4+ years of post-degree professional experience in applied ecological field work or similar.
• 2+ years of direct supervisory experience of field staff.
• Peer-reviewed publication record in applied ecology or conservation biology.
• Ability to evaluate work quality and provide scientific guidance to teams.
• Knowledge of Illinois and federal environmental regulatory frameworks (ESA, Clean Water Act).
• Strong technical writing skills for reports and manuscripts.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within southern Illinois and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Triage IDOT regulatory taskings, assign projects, track progress, ensure timely compliance deliverables.
• Provide scientific oversight of eight staff and review deliverables before submission.
• Manage applied research pipeline and co-author papers with staff.
• Establish field data collection standards supporting regulatory compliance.
• Participate in field surveys during peak workloads and cover gaps across service area.
• Monitor capacity and communicate prioritization to Director.
• Represent team at state meetings, interagency forums, and conferences; report findings to IDOT.

Skills

Team leadership

Scientific writing

Project management

Field surveys

Education

PhD in ecology or related field

Job description

The Roadside Ecology Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale seeks a Lead Scientist/Coordinator to supervise the biology and wetland science team and oversee compliance with IDOT responsibilities.

You will triage taskings, assign projects, ensure quality, and guide data-to-publication processes, while representing the center in interagency contexts and advancing applied road ecology research in southern Illinois.