Visiting Research Scientist - Civil and Environmental Engineering

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is seeking a Visiting Research Scientist in Civil and Environmental Engineering, located at the Illinois Center for Transportation in Rantoul, IL. The role involves leading research projects in smart mobility and sustainability, managing research groups, preparing technical proposals and reports, and collaborating with industry and academic partners. A Ph.D. in a related field and two years of research experience are required.
Visiting Research Scientist

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Position is located in Rantoul, IL at the Illinois Center for Transportation

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for the position of Visiting Research Scientist. The Visiting Research Scientist will contribute to the development and execution of research projects by initiating and leading projects in smart mobility, sustainability, electrification and/or pavement engineering; preparing and contributing to technical proposals, reports, and publications; and assisting with management of research group activities.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead or 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 graduate students on modeling, data, 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.
• Represent I-ACT planning team as a liaison to private industry, public agencies, and academic partners.
• Participate in and lead working groups for the funding campaign of I-ACT, and support ICT engagement with key stakeholders, partners, and collaborators.
• Lead and/or participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to share I-ACT planning updates, and develop presentation materials.
• Manage seed research projects that support I-ACT planning.
• Work directly with ICT Director.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering or a closely related field.
• Two years' experience in research related to advanced mobility and transportation infrastructure.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 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 position may become permanent at a later date. 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 May 12, 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 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: 1030177

Job Category: Research

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu