Senior Research Engineer

~ The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. PRI houses 5 large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology and archaeology. ~

Our Mission is to encourage and assist citizens, businesses, and government agencies to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste to protect human health and the environment of Illinois and beyond.

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. 

Position Overview 

This is a regular, academic professional, full-time grant supported 12-month position, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The estimated starting date is March 16, 2015 (negotiable).

The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is seeking to hire a Senior Research Engineer.

The mission of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center is to advance sustainability within the State of Illinois and beyond through developing solutions to issues centered around the grand societal issues of our time - namely energy, water, and food. This position seeks to strengthen the Center's capability in water and wastewater treatment, and position the Center as the innovation leader with respect to water conservation, reuse and upgradation both within the State and beyond. 

Responsibilities 

• Work on extremely complex problems that impact the design of urban and rural infrastructure, especially with regard to water issues.
• Address broad design issues, and positions the Center as the innovation leader with respect to water conservation, reuse and upgradation both within the State and beyond.
• Contributions enhance ISTC, PRI, and UI staff, business volume, and facilities/equipment.
• Has full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments.
• Plan and direct research projects.
• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines that has substantial impact and extends knowledge and understanding of ISTC mission.
• This involves exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches.
• Maintain liaison with individuals and units within and outside the project, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to own field.
• Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with Senior level researchers at ISTC, PRI, and beyond to develop large, interdisciplinary projects.
• Conceive, plan and conduct research in problem areas of considerable scope and complexity.
• Contribute inventions, new designs, or techniques that are of material significance in the solution of important problems.
• Analyze industrial and societal needs with respect to water conservation, reuse, and upgradation.
• Develop a portfolio of projects that meet client needs yet maintain a high probability of adoption.
• Identify and recruit corporate and municipal clients, and research collaborators to build a consortium to facilitate on-site and off-site research and validation of new and emerging technologies.
• Attract public and private grants to support the design, development and deployment of proposed solutions.
• Some travel will be required throughout the state to establish client contact and build relationships with industry.
• Plan, develop, coordinate, and direct a number of large and significant projects or a project of major scope and importance.
• May be responsible for an entire scientific and/or engineering program when the program is of limited complexity and scope.
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of a staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Evaluate progress of the staff and results obtained, and recommend major changes to achieve overall objectives.
• Define staffing needs, selection/ assessment criteria, and hiring process for research/engineering staff.
• As an individual researcher or staff specialist, may be assisted on individual projects by staff scientists/engineers.
• Must ensure the appropriate safety training and compliance of all staff under supervision or purview.
• Serve as the technical lead for the unit/laboratory in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for an assigned area of responsibility (i.e. , subject matter, function, type of facility or equipment, or product).
• Stay abreast of new technical methods and developments affecting the unit/laboratory for the purpose of recommending changes in emphasis of programs or new programs warranted by such developments.
• Identify, propose and lead new strategies/initiatives that are critical to the ISTC; guide programs of national or international significance.
• Establish new scientific and technical directions resulting in new fields of study; primary resource to ISTC and customers in identifying future problems, research trends and opportunities.
• Present papers, lead symposia and chair committees; participate on advisory/policy boards, journals and societies; serve as peer reviewer of major technical programs; network nationally and internationally.
• Lead the development and implementation of new and/or expanded technical capabilities that will impact future research projects; provide the organization with a distinct competitive advantage in procuring funding.
• Typically would direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.
• Without direct supervision, demonstrate sustained innovation and creativity leading to significant project accomplishments. 

Required Education:  

• PhD degree in appropriate discipline, preferably in Environmental/Chemical Engineering. 

Required Experience: 

• Five years' experience in a related area.
• A mixture of both field based experience in design, operation, and trouble shooting of water and wastewater treatment plants; conversant with energy issues and an interest and ability to exploit opportunities offered by the water-energy-foods nexus.
• Extensive progressive experience.
• Demonstrated superior scope and breadth of research through the creation of new concepts, applications, processes, designs or the identification of new areas of research.
• A valid driver's license is required due to statewide travel to recruit and consult with new clients.
• The incumbent must have a proven ability to lead research and scale-up and validation of new technologies; track record of successful grant writing. 

Preferred: 

• One or more years' consulting experience. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and education Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance. 

Additional Information 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a large campus with many opportunities and programs. The twin cities offer a variety of features including theaters, museums, restaurants, concert venues, parks, and recreation facilities.

The expanding industrial and business commerce throughout the area is an exciting proposition for Urbana-Champaign, yet we still are able to preserve a small-town feel. Even with this growth, the area maintains a sense of community with smaller, established neighborhoods dominating the interior of both towns, while larger suburban housing is available on the outskirts.

There are also delightful small towns within 20 miles of campus. The commute to work is not an issue in Urbana-Champaign! Most employees live within a 20 miles radius, and are able to make the trek within 20 minutes.

Our area also has the pleasure of experiencing all four seasons, with average winters and summers in comparison to other US locales. The local public schools within C-U and surrounding areas offer a wide range of gifted programs, and there are several private schools within the area. 

To Apply  

• Please click below: "Apply Here!" and follow instructions.  
• Applications must be received by February 13, 2015. 
• For further information please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey. For technical questions, please contact: Nandikishore Rajagopalan, Search Committee Member.  

~ Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. ~