Associate Research Scientist, Engineering - Illinois State Geological Survey
University of Illinois

Job Info

Associate Research Scientist, Engineering
Illinois State Geological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/

ISGS is seeking to hire an Associate Research Scientist, Engineering to develop and review engineering designs and models of geothermal systems. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Serve as the lead engineer and discipline expert on multi-scale geothermal projects from single buildings to large district-scale systems.
Act as the technical specialist competent in the design and analysis of geothermal bore fields and geothermal ground modeling simulations within a multi-disciplined engineering and construction environment.
Oversee the planning and completion of subsurface investigations for geothermal projects involving field and laboratory activities, including geothermal borehole in-situ testing.
Manage multi-disciplinary project teams that may include researchers, private subcontractors, and stakeholders.
Identify relevant research needs in the geothermal discipline and pursue new research opportunities.
Pursue externally funded research projects by preparing and writing contract and grant proposals.
Serve as principal investigator, co-principal investigators, and senior personnel on geothermal research and development projects.
Write geothermal engineering reports, including technical drawings and design specifications, and scholarly research papers.
Mentor early career engineering and geoscience professionals, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Respond to requests for technical information and provide professional expertise to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the public.
Attend, participate in, and contribute to meetings, conferences, and workshops.
Contribute to the areas of education, outreach, and/or other service to the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
Enhance the reputation of the Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international level.
Keep abreast of developments in the geothermal discipline.
Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.

Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in geothermal engineering, geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, or related engineering discipline. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on experience as it relates to this position. At least five years' professional experience. Expert knowledge of energy modeling for buildings and thermal energy networks (e.g., TRNSYS and DOE codes). Experience developing numerical simulations and computer codes (e.g., Python) including the use of high-performance computing (HPC). Experience in engineering report writing and preparing contract proposals and documents. Experience utilizing and developing databases. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Expert knowledge of groundwater flow models (e.g., DOE codes, MODFLOW, or FEFLOW). Experience developing Building Heating and Cooling Load Modeling and Life Cycle Cost Analysis to support design development and alternatives analysis. Expert knowledge of borehole heat exchanger and geothermal design, modeling, and simulation software (e.g., GLD, GHLEPro, COMSUL, Modelica, and DOE codes). Certified Geothermal Designer and Licensed or immediately eligible for licensure (within 6 months of employment).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to effectively manage research as a principal investigator and supervise and mentor associated personnel. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and varying priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail and sound judgment. Has excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team setting with scientists, engineers, and staff at the University of Illinois, state and federal government agencies, other academic/research institutions, and industry. Proficiency in commonly used software as well as with GIS and data visualization/analysis.

Work Environment: The work of this position takes place primarily in an office setting with occasional work in a field setting. Travel is required to attend meetings and perform fieldwork including overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Position involves domestic and international travel. Fieldwork may be under adverse conditions (e.g., inclement weather, remoteness, moderate physical exertion). Position involves lifting and manipulating field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain. A security clearance may be required to access some field sites.

Appointment Information: This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The starting date is negotiable and the salary is commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $100,000.

Benefits: 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 Procedure and Deadline Information: Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. Central on April 19, 2024. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. To apply, please use the Apply Now button. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact information including e-mail addresses of three professional (not personal) references. All requested information and documentation must be submitted for applications to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

For further information please contact Lori Walston-Vonderharr, Human Resources, Prairie Research Institute, at lwalston@illinois.edu or 217-244-2401. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.

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. 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: 1023035
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu