Senior Research Scientist/Engineer and Principal Research Scientist/Engineer
Illinois Applied Research Institute
College of Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Applied Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) seeks applicants for Research Scientist/Engineer positions at two different levels of experience. The levels are (i) Senior Research Scientist/Engineer and (ii) Principal Research Scientist/Engineer. Both levels of professionals will be involved in a variety of research and development (R&D) activities in areas of applied science, engineering, and/or computing technology.
The ARI is a major research, development and engineering (RD&E) venture on the Urbana-Champaign campus. The ARI responds to a set of long-standing regional and national needs to compete for and execute applied research and development projects normally considered beyond traditional boundaries of the University of Illinois enterprise; to provide rapid response to technical opportunities and requirements; and to enhance commercial and employment opportunities. These combined requirements drive the distinct contract-driven and deliverables-driven structure and culture of the Institute while leveraging the depth of expertise, capabilities and resources of the campus as a whole. In broad terms, the ARI houses a large effort, located in the University of Illinois Research Park immediately adjacent to the UIUC campus in Champaign, Illinois. More information about ARI can be found at
http://appliedresearch.illinois.edu/.
SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST or SENIOR RESEARCH ENGINEER - This full-time, academic professional position requires the ability to attract external funding and work either independently or collaboratively, as required by a given project. A high degree of professional maturity is required, commensurate with substantial experience beyond the Bachelor’s degree.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide coordination and senior leadership in relevant areas of RD&E for the development and implementation of sponsored applied research projects
Steward, attract and maintain external RD&E funding sufficient to support a small team of ARI staff
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to research personnel
Serve as a liaison between ARI research staff and clients
Track research activity in relevant areas of science and engineering
Undertake project management activities against projected time lines, estimated budgets, and expected deliverables
Supervise the research activities of research assistants and post-doctoral research associates, including task assignment, monitoring the progress of tasks, and providing technical guidance as required
Present research results through reports and the publication of scientific papers, conference presentations, and technology demonstrations where warranted and desired
Minimum Qualifications:
One of the following combinations of education and experience:
o Doctoral degree with 5 or more years of experience in a science or engineering field directly relevant to manufacturing science, advanced materials, data analytics/Big Data, electromagnetics, energetics, signal processing, and/or cyber applications (cyber infrastructure, security, tactical cyber, cyber-physical systems, etc.)
o Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a science or engineering field with 7 or more years of directly relevant applied research experience in manufacturing science, advanced materials, data analytics/Big Data, electromagnetics, energetics, signal processing, and/or cyber applications (cyber infrastructure, security, tactical cyber, cyber-physical systems, etc.)
Detailed knowledge of relevant technical area of engineering, applied science, and/or computer technology
Demonstrated proficiency in all forms of communication, along with solid time management, teamwork and organizational skills
Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations and/or patents
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
Preferred Qualifications:
Track record of external RD&E support; be abreast of technical developments in relevant technical areas, in appropriate fields of engineering and applied science including computational science and engineering
Experience in independent research and problem-solving, while maintaining close interaction with other research groups
Experience supervising the research activities of small teams
Experience in the capture of external funding for research including the identification of funding opportunities, white paper development, proposal preparation, communications with agency and corporate technical points of contact, and presentations to potential clients and customers
Proven technical and financial management skills with the ability to collaborate in a variety of relevant disciplines
Ability to obtain a U.S. national security clearance preferred; an active U.S. national security clearance strongly preferred
PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST or PRINCIPAL RESEARCH ENGINEER -
This full-time, academic professional position is senior-level and requires the ability to attract substantial external funding and work either independently or collaboratively, as required by a given project. A very high degree of professional maturity is required, commensurate with substantial experience well beyond the Bachelor’s degree.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide coordination and senior leadership in relevant areas of engineering, science and policy for the development and implementation of applied research
Steward, attract and maintain external R&D funding sufficient to support a team of ARI staff
Serve as a liaison between ARI research staff and clients; initiate and foster business development contacts amongst potential corporate and agency clients, track research activity in relevant areas of engineering, applied science, and/or policy
Develop, manage and lead large teams of other research professionals — including but not limited to senior engineers, senior scientists, engineers, scientists, programmers, technicians, and others
Supervise the research activities of research assistants and post-doctoral research associates, including task assignment, monitoring the progress of tasks, and providing technical guidance as required
Undertake program and project management activities against projected time lines, estimated budgets, and expected deliverables
Assist senior ARI management in the formulation of goals for ARI and deliver status reports for on-going and proposed projects
Present research results through reports and the publication of scientific papers, conference presentations, and
technology demonstrations where warranted and desired
Minimum Qualifications:
One of the following combinations of education and experience:
o Doctoral degree with 10 or more years of experience in a science or engineering field directly relevant to manufacturing science, advanced materials, data analytics/Big Data, electromagnetics, energetics, signal processing, and/or cyber applications (cyber infrastructure, security, tactical cyber, cyber-physical systems, etc.)
o Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a science or engineering field with 15 or more years of directly relevant applied research experience in manufacturing science, advanced materials, data analytics/Big Data,
electromagnetics, energetics, signal processing, and/or cyber applications (cyber infrastructure, security, tactical cyber, cyber-physical systems, etc.)
Broad knowledge of relevant engineering and science domains that compliment deep expertise in at least one of the following fields of science and engineering: manufacturing science, advanced materials, data analytics/Big Data, electromagnetics, energetics, signal processing, and/or cyber applications (cyber infrastructure, security, tactical cyber, cyber-physical systems, etc.)
Proven track record of leading the successful capture and oversight of substantial external RD&E support, including proposal development; be abreast of technical developments in relevant technical fields of engineering and applied science including computational science and engineering
Demonstrated independent research and problem solving skills while maintaining close interaction with other research groups
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage medium to large research groups and professionals
Demonstrated proficiency in all forms of communication, along with solid project management (including time, budgetary, and resource management), teamwork and organizational skills
Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations and/or patents
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
Preferred Qualifications:
Proven technical, administrative and financial management skills with the ability to collaborate in a variety of relevant disciplines
Proven successful execution in all facets of capturing external project funding
Demonstrated ability to form and work in collaborative teams with researchers from peer organizations such as other applied research institutes, national laboratories, agency research centers, and/or academic institutions
An active U.S. national security clearance or the ability to obtain a U.S. national security clearance is strongly preferred
These positions are full-time, benefits-eligible academic professional positions appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible, based on the business needs of the organization. Salary and position level are commensurate with experience and qualifications.
To apply for this position, please create your candidate profile at
http://jobs.illinois.edu and upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references as a single PDF file by 17 October 2014.
Interviews and hires may take place prior the closing date and early applications are encouraged; however, full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Kathy Buss at
kbuss@illinois.edu or 217-333-6804.
Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (
www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).
