Visiting Research Scientist (Guest Lab) - ISEE at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Visiting Research Scientist (Guest Lab) - ISEE




Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment


This position will work under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Guest within CABBI. One of the major challenges the world faces is how to provide sustainable sources of energy that meet societal needs as the population continues to grow. The Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), with funding from the Department of Energy, will develop efficient ways to grow bioenergy crops, transform biomass into valuable chemicals, and market the resulting biofuels and other bioproducts. CABBI integrates recent advances in agronomics, genomics, and synthetic and computational biology to increase the value of energy crops - using a "plants as factories" approach to grow fuels and chemicals in plant stems, an automated foundry to convert biomass into valuable chemicals, and ensuring that its products are ecologically and economically sustainable. This holistic approach will help reduce our nation's dependence on imported fuels, thus increasing national security.



Job Summary

Lead modeling activities and systems analyses to investigate locality specific drivers of circular bioeconomy growth; prioritize biorefinery deployment scenarios for expansion of the circular bioeconomy; prepare manuscripts, public summaries, and conference presentations to disseminate research findings.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyzing data and writing up results in manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and public-facing summaries (40%)
• Gathering policies relevant to the circular bioeconomy and analyze their implications for feedstock-to-bioproduct costs and environmental impacts (20%)
• Developing Python scripts to characterize the financial and environmental implications of policies (20%)
• Designing, performing, and/or overseeing data collection, model development, and simulations to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance (10%)
• Supervising undergraduate and graduate students assisting with this project, including training and tracking work performance and deliverables (10%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in environmental engineering or related field. Alternate degree and degree fields and combination of degree and degree field and experience will be considered/accepted depending upon the depth and nature of the experience and relevance of degree as it pertains to this position.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in U.S. environmental regulations and compliance.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in research and analysis related to nutrient management and/or recovery.
• Experience in characterizing nutrient flows from biorefineries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in modeling nutrient recovery from wastewaters.
• Experience with geospatial analyses related to nutrient availability and demand.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Observe standards of professional conduct and strive for excellence including, but not limited to:
  • Accepting accountability and ownership of actions.
  • Assuring essential and strong organizational skills.
  
  


• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel) and knowledge of various data programs.
• Adaptability in accepting new challenges and responsibilities.
• Focusing on attention to detail.
• Providing professional, quality, value added communications skills.
• Working collaboratively with employees and faculty to enhance research goals.
• Evidence of consistent use of good judgment, discretion, and tactful communication.
• Energy and enthusiasm for expressing the value of diverse cultures, fostering empathy, and improving organizations in the areas of access and representation.
• Knowledge and experience with office software and ability to learn custom systems.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities without direct supervision.
• Excellent written communications skills.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. This position could become permanent in the future pending success in the role and continued funding. Please be advised that visiting academic professionals are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and the Visiting Academic Professionals/AAP-IEA-NEA union. For more information regarding the contract, please go to Visiting Academic Professionals.

The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. Salary range is $80,000 to $90,000 per year. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits , including paid leave and holidays.



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 31, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for 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 Erica Hanson, OVCRI Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.


For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.


The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

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 .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1029844
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
Apply Now