Director and Principal Research Scientist

$150,000 - $150,000/Yr

National Center For Supercomputing Applications - Urbana, IL

Full-time - Senior

Urbana, IL

About the position

The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is seeking a Director and Principal Research Scientist to lead and manage its research and service programs. This position is pivotal in providing strategic direction and overall administration for the Survey while also engaging in scientific research activities. The Director will oversee the development, coordination, and implementation of scientific research and service programs, ensuring that ISWS meets its mission of providing timely, science-based information to manage water resources wisely. The role requires collaboration with the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) leadership in strategic program planning, resource allocation, and organizational development. The Director will also represent ISWS interests to various stakeholders, including local, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations. In addition to administrative responsibilities, the Principal Research Scientist aspect of the role involves independently coordinating and developing significant research programs, securing funding, and collaborating with survey scientists and University of Illinois faculty. The successful candidate will be expected to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to outreach efforts that enhance the reputation of ISWS and PRI at various levels. This in-person position is based in Champaign, Illinois, and requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and promoting diversity within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and overall administration for the development, coordination, and implementation of scientific research and service programs undertaken by 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 advising 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 at both individual and organizational levels.
• Ensure ISWS gathers, disseminates, and archives accurate, objective, and relevant scientific information with a focus on hydrological and climate resources for government officials and agencies, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and the public.
• Encourage and lead a strong commitment to diversity through establishing retention and recruiting priorities, as well as personally exhibiting a commitment to inclusion.
• 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 so that they can reach their full potential for the greater benefit of the University.
• Independently coordinate and develop a significant research/investigations program, secure associated funding opportunities, and perform tasks in that capacity including management of grant funding and efficient production of project, grant, manuscripts, or contract reports and deliverables.
• Collaborate with survey scientists, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues (national and international) to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, technical survey reports, maps, databases, or other service-related deliverables, as well as participate in various internal or external review committees, and serve as a survey-wide scientific advisor in this area.
• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public.

Requirements

• 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.
• An established record of obtaining sponsored funding from state and federal agencies and the private sector and actively facilitating research endeavors.
• Significant experience in an academic or government research environment; administrative and leadership experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan (401k)
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities