Field Research Specialist, AgNUE & CABBI

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position requires in-person work on campus and may require working outside standard hours including evenings and occasional weekends.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

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.

A field research specialist position is available in the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment in support of the Agricultural Nitrogen Use Efficiency Platform (AgNUE) project funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The mission of AgNUE is to enhance the accuracy of models that predict field-scale nitrogen cycling to improve NUE and reduce nitrogen losses, specifically nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching, by establishing an international research platform of high-resolution multi-scale measurements and advanced modelling that integrates mitigation technologies and management under diverse bioclimatic zones. The mission of CABBI is to develop efficient ways to grow bioenergy crops, transform biomass into valuable chemicals, and market the resulting biofuels and other bioproducts. This position will be split 50/50 to (1) support AgNUE research activities at the University of Illinois supersite for multi-scale measurements, mechanistic experiments investigating controls on the fate of nitrogen, and soil microbial screening for microbial predictors of nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen gas emissions, and (2) support CABBI research activities to investigate plant-soil-microbe interactions that underlie carbon and nitrogen cycling of bioenergy cropping systems.

Job Summary

Assist with field work and laboratory experiments; collect and analyze plant, soil, gas and water samples for CABBI and AgNUE research projects; and support lab activities as part of the CABBI and AgNUE projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

Collect plant, soil, gas, and water samples from field sites, and prepare supplies for these sampling campaigns.
Process and analyze plant, soil, gas, and water samples in the laboratory.
Assist with stable isotope tracer experiments and laboratory assays for carbon and nitrogen cycling processes.
Organize, compile, and quality check datasets, and process raw data using spreadsheet templates and R scripts.
Order and inventory materials and supplies for CABBI and AgNUE research activities.
Supervise undergraduate students assisting with this project, including training, assigning work, and tracking work performance and deliverables.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Working extended hours in the field, including under hot and humid conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, soil science, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position.
Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to biogeochemistry or related disciplines (e.g., above and belowground plant sampling, trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography.)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience running analytical instrumentation of any kind, including for soil, water and gas samples (i.e., SmartChem discrete autoanalyzer, gas chromatograph, isotope ratio mass spectrometer.)
Experience with wet chemistry, such as conducting laboratory assays for soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes or following protocols in college-level lab courses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Willingness and ability to learn new skills.
Ability to work in a large collaborative team environment.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to work extended hours in the field, including under hot and humid conditions.
Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel.)
Preferred: Programming in R.

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 $45,000 to $48,000. 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 Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Qualified candidates must upload: 1) a cover letter which details qualifications noted above; 2) resume or CV; and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 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.

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: 1038475
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Field Research Specialist, AgNUE & CABBI