Research Specialist - ASC

Agroecosystem Sustainability Center

The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) is a new research center aiming to be a world leading innovation powerhouse in advanced monitoring and modeling of agroecosystems for improving sustainability under climate change. ASC is jointly funded by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI). ASC gathers leading researchers from across the UIUC campus in the subject areas of biophysical and biochemical research in agroecosystems, primarily focusing on whole-plant and landscape-level studies to regional and global applications. The research is driven by co-founding and affiliated faculty members, professional staff scientists, postdocs and graduate students to advance science goals and technological innovations, with clear motivation to generate real-world solutions and impacts. ASC also has plans to work closely with industry partners and bring truly interdisciplinary educational pportunities for aspiring students at UIUC.

Job Summary

Support group research activities through building field experiment platforms, fabricating necessary accessories, installing and maintaining instruments and sensors, conducting field measurements, collecting field data, processing field samples, and closely working with other lab members on different experimental works.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain automatic ground observation systems (spectrometers, cameras, environmental sensors, vegetation sensors, soil sensors, etc.) in Illinois. Routine monitoring, inspection, troubleshooting and repair are required to ensure all system components collect data correctly and continuously throughout the project period.
• Conduct manual field measurements and sample collections using different instruments/tools, and compile, process, organize and document collected data and samples in the laboratory.
• Coordinate and assist lab members with field, airborne and laboratory experiments, particularly with regards to instrument installation, uninstallation, maintenance, calibration, and operation and other necessary materials and supplies.
Conduct data collection through controlling sensors in the airplane during airborne survey, drive long distance (cross states) to collect automatic camera data.

Additional Physical Demands

Pre-dawn, sunset and weekend field work is sometimes required. Must be able to carry up to 30 pounds and traverse uneven terrain in possible inclement weather.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree. At least six months machinery or engineering work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in environmental, ecology, agriculture or related fields. Research experience in the field and in the laboratory; Experience working on farms and with farmers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Valid U.S. driver's license to travel to and from research sites. Very strong hands-on skills; Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel); Effective communication; frequent summer field trips in the Champaign County, Illinois and some field trips in other counties in Illinois; Pre-dawn, sunset and weekend field works are sometimes needed. Knowledge on environmental, ecology, agriculture or related fields is preferred.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually. The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. Salary range of $38,000 to $42,000 is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 14, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019775
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu