Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Industrial 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. 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. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISTC is seeking to hire a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Industrial Engineering to conduct research to advance the development of green processes and materials synthesis in support of industrial decarbonization and waste valorization. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Conduct laboratory experiments for proof of scientific concepts related to research topics.
Conduct laboratory analysis for project sample characterization and determination of engineering parameters.
Assist in operating pilot-scale reactor systems that can demonstrate process performance, resilience, and scalability.
Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
Conduct literature searches.
Document and interpret experimental data to assure validity and quality control.
Provide technical content for project reports and scientific articles.
Assist in developing responses to federal, state, commercial, and foundation funding opportunities and announcements.
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 professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to ISTC, PRI, UIUC, and the state of Illinois.
Enhance the reputation of ISTC and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
Maintain a continuing business relationship with collaborators, industry partners, and major clients as part of ongoing business development efforts.
Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, chemical, civil or environmental 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. Related research or industry experience. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in materials and chemical characterization. Experience in electrochemical techniques, hydrothermal reaction techniques with instrumentation skills in XRD, SEM, XPS, NMR, GC-MS, ICP-MS, and BET methods.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Effective communication and interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment characterized by multiple and changing priorities, stringent deadlines, and minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, and governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software, databases, and project management tools.

Work Environment: The work of this position takes place in an office and a chemical laboratory setting. Must be able to lift 40 pounds of testing materials or equipment.

Appointment Information: This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment renewable annually based on satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. 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.

Application Procedure and Deadline Information: Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central Time on May 22, 2023. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 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 CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and 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. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, 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: 1017442
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu