Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology - INHS/PRI

Experience Champaign Urbana; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Experience Champaign Urbana is seeking an experienced researcher to conduct fieldwork and data collection along the Illinois River Waterway, employing gear such as PDC electrofishing, nets, and telemetry to support invasive carp management.

The role involves managing and translating telemetry and monitoring data into scientific findings, preparing reports and publications, and presenting results to funding agencies and collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological monitoring and fieldwork on the Illinois River Waterway using multiple fishing gear such as PDC electrofishing, nets, and telemetry.
• Coordinate field sampling schedules, identify sampling locations, manage equipment inventories for trips, and ensure marine craft safety inspections.
• Supervise students and hourly technicians, assign tasks, explain sampling techniques, guide data collection, and enforce safety protocols.
• Maintain active communication between MAM, IRBS staff, collaborators, and other parties.
• Manage, analyze, and translate research, harvest, telemetry, and monitoring data into scientific findings and recommendations for funding agencies and collaborators.
• Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations for conferences and professional meetings.
• Engage with lay communities to communicate research findings and attend conferences at local, regional, national, and international levels.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, UIUC on professional and interagency committees related to river ecology and fisheries.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained, fulfill grant and contract obligations, and complete administrative requirements on time.

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

Research – Fieldwork/Data Collection Conduct biological monitoring and research on the Illinois River Waterway using multiple types of fishing gear (PDC electrofishing, netting, telemetry) and work closely with fishers to guide contracted invasive carp harvest. Collect fish population monitoring data and use the information to develop and evaluate research projects and guide management. Coordinate field sampling schedules including identifying sampling locations, completion of equipment inventory for each trip, and safety inspection of marine craft and gear. Supervise students and hourly technicians and guide scheduling, task assignment, explaining required sampling techniques, guiding required field data collection necessary to complete projects, and ensuring marine safety protocols are followed. Maintain active and open communication between MAM, IRBS staff, collaborators, and other parties.

Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation

Manage, analyze, and translate research, harvest, telemetry, and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties. Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties. Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.

Research – Outreach/Engagement

Work with the lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research. Coordinate and cooperate with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other groups Attend local, regional, national, and international conferences. Represent the Survey, PRI, the University, and other state and federal agencies on professional and interagency committees associated with river ecology and fisheries. Represent the Survey, PRI, and UIUC committees.

Administrative

Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards are met. Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI. Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs, accurately and within established deadlines. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.