Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology - Illinois State Archaeological Survey

About the Role

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign houses five State Scientific Surveys covering biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist, Lithic Archaeology to conduct analysis of stone and mineral materials from archaeological sites including all aspects of lithic sample collection, identification, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and preparation for curation.

Research Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct analysis of precontact archaeological lithic assemblages from ISAS excavation projects
• Oversee staff in all aspects of lithic analysis (identification of raw materials, assemblage description, quantitative analysis, interpretation, writing and figure production, raw data publication)
• Contribute to ISAS research output through grant applications, professional publications, and conference presentations
• Incorporate pXRF and PIMA into lithic analysis as appropriate
• Author report sections and edit reports and lithic analysis guidelines

Administration & Coordination

• Coordinate work on multiple projects in various stages of completion
• Respond to requests for information and provide technical expertise to IDOT, ISAS and PRI staff, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, industry, and the general public
• Manage the ISAS lithic raw material collection
• Contribute to project management and tracking project status in coordination with the section head

Additional Duties

• Conduct public engagement and educational activities that highlight the accomplishments of IDOT, ISAS, and PRI
• Complete required administrative documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois
• Keep abreast of developments in the discipline

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline
• At least 3 years of professional experience in analysis of precontact lithic assemblages from the U.S. Midwest, including all stages of identification, analysis, interpretation, and reporting with a Master's
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations in relation to the management of archaeological cultural resources
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit compliance archaeology reports
• Familiarity with pre-contact and post-contact history and material culture in the continental United States
• Must meet the Secretary of Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for archaeology (36 CFR Part 61)
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related discipline
• Familiarity with quantitative methods, GIS, graphics software, and archaeological databases
• Familiarity with transportation archaeology and the production of archaeological survey, testing, and data recovery reports
• Supervisory experience in a university, state, federal, or non-governmental organization
• Experience in forming and maintaining relationships with state, federal, and relevant non-governmental organizations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in the analysis and reporting of lithics from precontact time periods
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and address anthropological questions using lithic data
• Effective communication, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively under minimal supervision in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects independently but with shared goals and timetables
• Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases

Pay

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The budgeted salary for this position is $65,000–$80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents