Research Scientist in Ecosystem Modeling

Research Scientist in Ecosystem Modeling

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, Agrosystem Sustainability Center

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

The University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

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:
  • 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:
  • 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

• Ph.D. degree and at least one year of postdoctoral experience in ecosystem modeling, environmental science, earth system sciences, or a related field.
• Experience using advanced agroecosystem models, ideally the ecosystem model, to simulate productivity and ecosystem services that guide improved management practices at large scales.
• Experience applying data assimilation and using observations from in-situ sensors or satellite products (e.g., gross primary productivity, leaf area index, yield, GHGs, etc.) to quantify productivity and ecosystem services through process-based modeling, such as hydrological or agroecosystem modeling.
• Experience using surrogate models to improve the efficiency of process-based models.
• Experience with data assimilation, machine learning, and optimization techniques.
• Experience in student mentoring.
• Publications in leading journals within the field.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Modeling.
• More than 5 years research experience in hydrological/agroecosystem modeling.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required:
  • Knowledge of agroecosystem modeling, optimization algorithms, and high-performance computing.
  • Excellent written communication skills, with a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Knowledge and experience with office software and the ability to learn custom systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tactful communication.
  • Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Proven ability to adapt to new challenges and responsibilities.
  • Commitment to collaborative work with faculty, staff, and research partners to advance shared goals.
  • Evidence of accountability, professionalism, and ownership in all work.
  • Energy and enthusiasm for fostering empathy and enhancing inclusion within organizations.
• Preferred:
  • In-depth knowledge of agroecosystem modeling, crop physiology, and biogeochemistry.

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 $65,000 to $70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Sunday, November 18, 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 Thurman Etchison at tetchis2@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: 1033516
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu