University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE)
Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab
Field and Laboratory Research Technician
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a full time research
technician in the Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
lab to work on a project funded by the USDA. This is a 12-month
non-tenure-track Academic Professional position. The overall goal of the
project is to create the knowledge and institutional capacity to guide the
transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry— which
involves growing multiple tree, shrub, and herbaceous species together to
produce staple food and fodder crops—on marginal lands in the Midwest,
U.S. Our interdisciplinary team, in collaboration with the Savanna
Institute, will assess the ecosystem services enhancement by production
agroforestry relative to corn-soy rotation on working farms in the
Midwest. Our objectives are to: (1) Build an integrated community of
Midwest production agroforestry farmers and researchers; (2) Quantify the
effect of fertilization on tradeoffs among yield, nutrient leaching, and
soil greenhouse gas emissions from production agroforestry versus corn-soy
rotation; and (3) Characterize the life cycle environmental implications
of a transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will participate in the establishment,
maintenance and sampling of replicated field experiments on working farms
throughout the Midwest, U.S. Extensive fieldwork will require the
technician to travel throughout the Midwest for 1-2 weeks per month during
the snow-free season. The balance of the technician’s time will be spent
in the laboratory for the following: analyzing soil, gas, and water
samples; preparing field supplies; maintaining laboratory instrumentation
related to this project (including a gas chromatograph and isotope ratio
mass spectrometer interfaced with a trace gas analyzer and elemental
analyzer); supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project;
and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies related to
this project. Depending on experience, there is also opportunity to assist
with data compilation and analysis.
Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental
science, chemistry, or related field (alternate degree fields will be
considered/accepted depending upon depth and breadth of experience and
skills as related to this position). Research experience in the
laboratory and/or field. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).
Preferred qualifications: Research experience in the laboratory and/or in
the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements,
soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Experience working on
farms and with farmers, strongly preferred.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Start date: as soon as possible
Applications must be received by March 20, 2017. To apply, all candidates
must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the
close of the posting period. 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: Susan Key, Human Resources,
Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes
individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace
and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu)
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job
candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants
will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified
individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois
welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who
embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.
(www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).