Survey Director with Principal Research Scientist Role

Survey Director with Principal Research Scientist Role

Illinois State Water Survey/PRI

The Illinois State Water Survey is seeking a Survey Director who will provide strategic direction and overall administration for the Survey to administer research activities of the Survey by conceiving, recommending, implementing, directing, and participating in scientific research focused on the selected candidate's area of study while contributing to the overall scientific mission of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). This position will also hold a Principal Research Scientist job. This is an in-person position based in Champaign, Illinois.

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) provides citizens, industries, and government agencies at all levels with timely, science-based information and analyses necessary to manage our water resources wisely for economic development and a sustainable environment.

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 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 service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation.

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

Survey Director Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration and Operational Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and overall administration for the development, coordination, and implementation of scientific research and service programs undertaken and provided by the ISWS.
• Oversee ISWS annual budget and coordinate with PRI leadership in facilitating ISWS development efforts.
• Collaborate with the PRI Executive Director in strategic program planning, resource allocation, organizational development, and implementation of programs.
• Participate in PRI leadership, effectively representing the interests of ISWS to PRI and advise PRI Executive Director and other PRI leaders regarding matters pertinent to the mission of ISWS and PRI.
• Identify cutting-edge research foci and other multi-disciplinary research themes related to ISWS and PRI.
• Encourage, promote, and facilitate research within ISWS and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois administration, community, and its stakeholders and external constituents.
• Represent ISWS interests and capabilities to local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.
• Supervise and lead ISWS Management and staff to achieve success and foster an inclusive culture of innovation and high-level performance.
• Ensure ISWS gathers, disseminates, and archives accurate, objective, and relevant scientific information with a focus on hydrological and climate resources.
• Encourage and lead a strong commitment to diversity through establishing retention and recruiting priorities.
• Foster a culture of open communication.
• Promote awareness of and education about safety and safe working methods.
• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and support, and encourage others to develop their knowledge, skills, and behaviors.

Leadership

• Take a holistic view and work enthusiastically and creatively to analyze problems and develop innovative and workable solutions.
• Encourage and promote research enterprises including proposal writing, research innovation, teaching, and education.
• Encourage, foster, and develop collaborative research, service, outreach efforts, and relationships with the University of Illinois and external constituents.

Principal Research Scientist Duties and Responsibilities:

Research

• Independently coordinate and develop a significant research/investigations program, secure associated funding opportunities, and perform tasks in that capacity.
• Collaborate with survey scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Actively collaborate with the University faculty through joint research proposals, joint publications, invited lectures, and similar.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, technical survey reports, maps, databases, or other service-related deliverables.

Outreach

• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international levels.

Other

• 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 this discipline.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in a scientific discipline relevant to the mission and goals of the ISWS. A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in an academic or government research environment; administrative experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization; experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations; and an established record of obtaining sponsored funding from state and federal agencies and the private sector.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting a research program that complements and/or promotes collaboration among scientists. Experience with delivering unbiased science that independently impacts public policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment with changing priorities. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.

Appointment Information: This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The minimum starting salary is $150,000 plus a $25,000 stipend for the Director Role and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information: Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 10, 2025 (Extended). Apply for this position using the following link: . Applications not submitted through will not be considered. Interviews may take place before the closing date, with the understanding that no hiring decisions will be made until after the close date. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.

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.