Local recruitment: Isotope Research Specialist - Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana, IL, USA 🇺🇸 Isotope Research Specialist - Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Job Summary Conducts environmental and agricultural research by facilitating the collection, preparation, and analysis of samples for isotopic study. Plays a critical role in integrating field sampling, laboratory techniques, and data management to advance investigations of water and nutrient dynamics in agricultural landscapes. Duties & Responsibilities Prepare environmental samples for isotopic analysis, including filtration, chemical treatment, and preparation of bacterial cultures. Maintain and organize field and laboratory data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely entry into research databases. Assist collection of environmental samples from field sites, including tile drainage, streamwater, groundwater, and soils, following standardized protocols for isotopic and hydrological analysis. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Position involves performing moderate physical tasks in both indoor laboratory and outdoor field environments. Position involves working in variable weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting/carrying equipment or samples up to approximately 40 lbs. Appropriate training and personal protective equipment will be provided to ensure safety during lab and field activities. Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work in labs and on field sites and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in environmental science, soil science, geology, hydrology, ecology, or a related field. Demonstrated experience with environmental field sampling methods, including water, soil, or groundwater collection. Experience following field and laboratory protocols and maintaining detailed records. Preferred Qualifications Valid driver's license. Experience preparing samples for stable isotope analysis (e.g., nitrate, water isotopes). Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as filtration, drying, weighing, and chemical preservation of samples. Research experience in a lab or field setting, particularly related to hydrology or biogeochemistry. Experience managing data in Excel, Google Sheets, or a laboratory information management system (LIMS). Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The proposed start is as soon as possible after the closing date. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for this position is $41,000-$42,450. Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, September 25, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting.

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//jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Cory Mitchell, search chair, via e-mail at cmitche@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. Champaign-Urbana Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 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 accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID :

1038009

Job Category :

Research Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu 9 days remaining Apply by 25 September, 2026 APPLY Job no longer available? Let us know!

POSITION TYPE

Researcher

ORGANIZATION TYPE

University/Academia/Research/Think tank

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

Not Specified

DEGREE REQUIRED

Bachelor's (Or Equivalent) Back to all water jobs

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