Research Scientist

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

**Position is located at the Illinois Center for Transportation (Rantoul, IL)**

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Research Scientist position. This position is intended for a researcher who wants to grow and continue their career in that path. The Research Scientist will contribute to the development and execution of research projects in the areas of smart mobility, sustainability, electrification and/or pavement engineering. Specific tasks include preparing and contributing to technical proposals, reports, and publications; assisting with management of research group activities; and identifying and communicating with potential stakeholders for the Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track (I-ACT).

This position is located at the Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT) in Rantoul, IL. It is on Rantoul’s former Chanute Air Force Base and the future site of the 238 acre I-ACT. I-ACT is a key component of ICT’s ongoing expansion that continues its leadership in the rapidly growing field of smart mobility. To learn more, please visit us online at ict.illinois.edu.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead and assist in interdisciplinary research projects in transportation, mobility, planning, and/or infrastructure.

• Manage and coordinate activities of multiple research groups at ICT.
• Propose work plans and oversee execution of research projects.
• Work closely with post-docs and graduate students on modeling, experiments, and computing.

Lead preparation of technical proposals and major initiatives.

• Identify funding opportunities, knowledge gaps, and research needs.
• Formulate research tasks, including detailed deliverables, timelines, allocation of personnel and equipment, and required resources.
• Coordinate proposal revisions, submissions, and execution.

Assist with I-ACT planning and major initiatives.

• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with potential sponsors, stakeholders, and industrial affiliates, which may require travel.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for research, under the guidance of the Director.
• Participate in and lead working groups for funding campaigns of I-ACT and other initiatives, and support ICT engagement with key stakeholders, partners, and collaborators.
• Lead and/or participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to share major research initiative planning updates, and develop presentation materials.

Assume additional duties to further the mission of ICT.

• Draft and revise research reports and write peer-reviewed journal and conference papers based on research findings.
• Present at meetings with sponsors, discuss research findings, follow-up on remaining tasks, and future research areas.
• Work closely with research partners to transfer solutions into practice.
• Other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience in research related to advanced mobility and transportation infrastructure

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience working within an academic setting.
• Experience in writing major proposals and/or initiatives.
• Experience in interdisciplinary project leadership and coordination.
• Experience in writing professional reports and research papers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate excellent communication and organization skills.
• Ability to handle multiple duties simultaneously.
• Demonstrate ability to lead a team of graduate students with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000- $85,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Rantoul on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 16, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Stacie Mertes, smertes@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 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: 1033019
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu