Senior Research Specialist at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

Senior Research Specialist

University of Illinois Chicago

Hiring Department: Energy Resources Center

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1028421

Posting Close Date: January, 7, 2025

The budgeted salary range for the position is $90,000.00 to $115,000.00

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent Best Colleges rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Description:

Position Summary

The Sustainable Landscapes Program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Energy Resources Center's (ERC) is seeking a motivated geospatial analyst with a conservation research focus. The program facilitates the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group, which provides expertise and resources to individuals and organizations interested in promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems on energy and transportation landscapes. The ideal candidate has a passion for sustainability, biodiversity, and landscape conservation. This position will help lead special conservation initiatives and assist geospatial analysis, tool development, and cartographic needs of projects. Work will require independently leading projects and tasks as part of a collaborative environment. The individual will perform complex geospatial analysis, data management, communicate outcomes, and may coordinate and direct tasks with other research staff.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research

• Designs and develops research and projects from concept to delivery.
• Conducts and coordinates advanced research studies and tool development and presents results and publishes manuscripts.
• Possesses and applies advanced knowledge of principles, concepts, practices and methods in landscape conservation, ecology, and sustainability.
• Provides technical guidance in areas of expertise, including review of final deliverables, ensuring the accuracy of data and results.
• Designs and implements novel plans or approaches to meet project/program objectives.
• Organizes data management and maintains detailed records.
• Conducts technical analysis which may include topical research, geospatial mapping or queries, and statistical analysis.
• Makes decisions within program parameters for unreviewed action or decision-making.
• Identifies and pursues at least two new funding opportunities on an annual basis.

Communication

• Prepares results and writes research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents for publication.
• Collects, analyzes, and summarizes data and presents results to internal and external stakeholders at conferences and symposiums.
• Identifies and develops strategic relationships with external stakeholders and research partners.
• Organizes and plans meetings and webinars, including scheduling, preparing agendas and presentations, and note-taking.
• Leads meeting and focus group facilitation, partner engagement, and webinars.

Staff Management

• Guides, trains and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods and procedures.
• May coordinate and direct the work and research tasks of research staff and students.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently leads projects and supports other program initiatives.
• Ensures requirements of the university, campus, and funding sponsor(s) are met from a financial, technical, market development and transportation, intellectual property management and reporting perspectives.
• Supports the Sustainable Landscapes Program and/or ERC Principal staff members in the development of the strategic approach and direction of geospatial research areas and successful implementation of projects.
• Acts as, or assists, a principal investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
• Serves as Principal Investigator and point of contact on key project/program area(s), directing tasks and taking responsibility for the results.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the following project/program areas: Monarch CCAA, Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group tools and resources, industry drivers and data available for biodiversity, sustainability, vegetation management and habitat conservation.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geospatial studies, landscape ecology, or related field required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of full-time related research experience.
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
• Proficient in skills necessary for job duties and responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other ESRI tools, plus Microsoft Office and Google Workspace platforms.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently (either in a remote or in-person work environment) and lead tasks in a manner that results in work being completed on time, to expectations communicated, and budget available.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a supportive, positive team environment.
• Experience working on, or supporting, UIC’s Sustainable Landscapes Program and Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group initiatives.
• Experience or background in geospatial studies, landscape ecology, or related fields.
• Experience or abilities in web design, online tool development, visual illustration of data and scientific concepts, or graphic design.

For fullest consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume and list of three references to uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12589?c=uic by January, 7, 2025.

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, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits