Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Engineering

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center

Prairie Research Institute

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.   

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.  For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

ISTC is seeking to hire a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Environmental Engineering to plan, conduct, supervise, and formulate collaborations on research related to wastewater treatment and emerging contaminants issues (e.g., pharmaceuticals, per-fluorinated chemicals, disinfection by-products, agricultural chemicals, microplastics).  There is interest to identify the major sources of emerging contaminants, track their fate and transport, and identify/evaluate opportunities to reduce their environmental loading. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Survey potential landfills and wastewater treatment plants for pilot studies and build relationships with participants and stakeholders.
• Serve as co-principal investigator to lead research and applied studies related to occurrence, fate, transport, environmental effects, and remediation of environmental contaminants in aquatic systems.
• Support multi-faceted grant projects including coordination with collaborators and project sponsors, writing periodic research progress reports and other technical deliverables.
• Conduct necessary experiments in the laboratory and the field.
• Review and interpret research results to assure validity.
• Assist in externally funded research projects by preparing and writing materials for proposals to new research grants and contracts.
• Assist in developing responses to federal, state, commercial, and foundation funding opportunities.
• Travel within and outside the state of Illinois (including internationally) visiting industrial sites and wastewater treatment plants. Travel to field and test sites may include work outside of normal business hours and overnight stays. Field work will involve exposure to outdoor temperatures and include lifting and moving equipment or samples (up to 40 pounds).
• Supervise, mentor, and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.
• Attend, participate in, and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Provide technical content for articles and reports.
• Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
• Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of PRI.

Required Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in environmental, chemical, industrial, civil or mechanical engineering, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. At least 2 years related industry or research experience with bachelor’s degree. Experience working in a laboratory and collecting field samples. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes. Must demonstrate a strong sense of safety when working in the laboratory and in the field. Solid technical writing skills to write comprehensive reports and support proposals. Ability to effectively manage portions of research projects and mentor associated personnel. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple dynamic priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software, databases and project management tools.  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in environmental, chemical, industrial, civil or mechanical engineering, or related discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.  Experience using software tools for techno-economic analysis (e.g., Aspen, ChemCAD) and life-cycle analysis (e.g., GREET, OpenLCA).  EIT or PE license.

This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience.

Applications must be received by February 9, 2021.  Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date.  To apply, please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board to complete an online profile and to upload 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a résumé/CV, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information/documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.  As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility