Research Scientist in Ecosystem Modeling - Agroecosystem Sustainability Center

ASC - Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally.

The Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) is a new research center aiming to be a world leading innovation powerhouse in advanced monitoring and modeling of agroecosystems for improving sustainability under climate change. ASC is jointly funded by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment (iSEE), the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI). ASC gathers leading researchers from across the UIUC campus in the subject areas of biophysical and biochemical research in agroecosystems, primarily focusing on whole-plant and landscape-level studies to regional and global applications. The research is driven by co-founding and affiliated faculty members, professional staff scientists, postdocs and graduate students to advance science goals and technological innovations, with clear motivation to generate real-world solutions and impacts. ASC also has plans to work closely with industry partners and bring truly interdisciplinary educational opportunities for aspiring students at UIUC.

Job Summary

Lead research projects on sustainable agriculture and global environmental change regarding productivity and environmental sustainability in agroecosystem across a variety of scales from the field, regional to the globe using the tools of advanced ecosystem models, machine learning, data assimilation, and high-performance computation, with the constraints from the satellites observations and in-situ measurements; publish research output in academic journals and conferences; lead on project management and student/postdoc mentoring; and prepare and complete proposal writing

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research - 80%
  • Conduct the field- to regional-scale modeling of productivity and environmental sustainability of agroecosystems using the advanced ecosystem model with the constraint of in-situ observations, satellite products.
  • Publish and disseminate research outputs in journals and at conferences.
  • Write proposals to secure continuous research funds.
• Project Management - 20%
  • Lead and manage research projects
  • Support research team management and student/postdoc mentoring
  • Manage computing resources and onboard new team members in computing

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in ecosystem modeling, environmental science, earth system sciences, or related field.
• Required experience:
  • Experience with using advanced agroecosystem models, ideally the ecosystem model, to simulate productivity and ecosystem service to guide improved management practices at large scales.
  • Experience with using data assimilation and observations from in-situ sensors or satellite products (gross primary productivity, leaf area index, yield, GHGs, etc.) to quantify productivity and ecosystem service using the process-based modeling, such as hydrological/agroecosystem modeling.
  • Experience with using surrogate models to improve the efficiency of the process-based models.
  • Experience with data assimilation, machine learning, and optimization techniques.
  • Experience in student mentoring.
  • Publication in domain leading journals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Adaptability — changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.
• Attention to Detail — thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.
• Collaboration — develops cooperation and teamwork while participating in a group, working toward solutions which generally benefit all involved parties.
• Communication — excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Drive for Results — demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Problem Solving — builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one’s knowledge and experience base and calling on other references and resources as necessary.
• Reliability — demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
• Service — demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of co-workers, managers, external constituencies, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.
• Ability to travel to meetings and to the member university campuses as needed
• Ability to work after hours

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $80,000 to $100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 21, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Erica Hanson at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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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.

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Requisition ID: 1029191
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu