The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology.  PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will work to promote an understanding of disease epidemiology using a spatial analysis framework.

This is an in-person opportunity with the ability to be on site on a regular basis. This position is located on the U of I Campus in Champaign, Illinois.

Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?

Highlights of Employee Benefits

Duties & Responsibilities:

The postdoc will conduct genetics-related research with Dr. Nohra Mateus Pinilla (Veterinary Epidemiologist) and Dr. Jameson Mori (Assistant Research Scientist) from the Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as members of the Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory (https://publish.illinois.edu/wildlifevetlab) and other research scientists, students, and hourly employees of the Survey.  

Project-specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Promote understanding of disease epidemiology using a spatial analysis framework.
• Manage data pertaining to laboratory diagnostic data linked to spatial information.  
• Incorporate data shared by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reports and internal research products into existing databases to perform analyses related to CWD prevalence.
• Generate maps and conduct statistical spatial analyses to help state wildlife agencies make policy decisions.
• Participate in the organization of the lab and its biological samples.
• Disseminate research findings to the scientific community, management agencies, and the public through presentations at professional meetings, manuscripts, and public outreach activities.
• Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Assist in training and mentorship of graduate and undergraduate student partners
• Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. (within the last 10 years or by the start date) in Geography, Epidemiology, Environmental Science or another related field.
• Experience in statistical analysis and modeling. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with large teams.
• At least 2 peer-reviewed scientific publications of studies involving Geography, Epidemiology, Environmental Science or another related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• GIS Professional (GISP) Certificate
• Previous experience with epidemiological modeling of wildlife diseases.
• Strong scientific communication skills, including preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for scientific, management, and conservation audiences.
• Ability to work independently, analyze complex datasets, and translate scientific findings into actionable management recommendations for granting agencies, scientific audiences, and the public, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform spatiotemporal statistical analyses with epidemiological, biological, and environmental data to answer questions about disease occurrence, risk, and spread.
• Capacity for teamwork and to maintain productive working relationships with partners and to contribute scientific expertise in meetings, workshops, and peer review.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ability to disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations to a variety of audiences is essential. Knowledge of GIS principles and practice. Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for producing publication-quality maps, visualizations using animation and/or time series, and heat maps. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel with an emphasis on relational data management and data cleaning. Ability to use scripting in the ArcGIS environment to streamline repetitive steps in analysis. Familiarity with habitat suitability modeling using Maxent or similar software with various existing and derived landscape features or land cover data. Experience with using ArcGIS Online portals, creating and maintaining new data layers from points collected using GPS

Environmental Demands

This work of this position takes place in an office setting.

Appointment Information
This is a full-time, 100% Postdoctoral Research Associate position. The budgeted salary is $60,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill, while considering internal equity. This position has secured funding through June 30, 2028. The position may be extended contingent on continued funding and programmatic need.

The preferred start date is as soon as possible.  

This position is unable to support sponsorship for work authorization