Summary:
The University of Illinois Springfield invites applications for one Postdoctoral Research Fellow supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. This is a full-time, mentored research appointment focused on advancing high-impact research aligned with the Moore Foundation’s mission to support scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and measurable benefits for future generations. Applicants will apply to one of five faculty-mentored research projects housed within the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health (ISP). The position will begin August 16, 2026, with an initial one-year appointment and the possibility of extension contingent on funding and performance.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Teaching: Teaching is not a primary responsibility of this position. If mutually agreed upon and aligned with program needs, the postdoctoral fellow may have the opportunity to contribute to one course or guest lectures in their area of expertise.
Scholarship: The postdoctoral fellow will conduct mentored research aligned with one of five faculty-led projects in environmental and sustainability sciences. Responsibilities include designing and executing research activities, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, contributing to grant proposals as appropriate, and presenting findings at professional conferences. The fellow will be expected to engage in collaborative research and contribute to the scholarly mission of the school.
Service: Service expectations are minimal and appropriate to a postdoctoral research appointment. The fellow may participate in research group meetings, contribute to collaborative initiatives within the school, and engage in professional development activities. No formal committee service is required.
Available Research Projects (applicants must select one on the application form):
Urban Ecohydrology and Climate–Water Interactions
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kyle Blount (Urban Ecohydrology, Environmental Science)
Focus on scaling ecohydrological functioning across urban landscapes and evaluating the impacts of water restrictions on urban heat under varying climate conditions.
Environmental Molecular Science and Toxicology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Maria Bondesson Bolin (Public Health, Molecular Environmental Health)
Focus on identifying molecular targets of PFAS and other environmental contaminants using chemical biology, mass spectrometry, and computational analysis.
Forest Ecology and Carbon Sequestration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hua Chen (Forest Ecology, Biology)
Focus on long-term woody root decomposition and soil carbon dynamics in old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, examining how root traits, microbial processes, and environmental conditions influence belowground carbon cycling using long-term field data and ecological modeling.
Pollutant Remediation and Pollution-Prevention Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Ferry (Environmental Chemistry)
Focus on molecular approaches to pollutant remediation and pollution prevention, with opportunities to engage in applied environmental solutions, brownfield redevelopment, and community-oriented research.
AI-Enabled Detection and Forecasting of Invasive Species Spread
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Tih-Fen Ting (Ecology, Environmental Science), Dr. Yanhui Guo (AI, Computer Vision), and Dr. Yun Zhao (Remote Sensing, Drone-Based Environmental Monitoring)
Focus on applying automated detection, remote sensing, and environmental modeling to identify, map, and forecast the spread of invasive plant species across natural and managed landscapes.
Minimum Qualifications:
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field completed by the start date of the appointment
Demonstrated potential for independent, high-quality research
Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment
Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD awarded within the last 5 years
Research experience relevant to the position
Evidence of research productivity (e.g., publications, conference presentations)
Application deadline: 4/15/2026
Salary: $65,000 nine-month salary plus benefits
Application instructions: Click the “Apply Now” button at the top or bottom of the posting, create or update your profile, complete the online application (including selecting one of the research projects listed above), and upload current curriculum vita or resume and a letter of application describing your interest in this postdoc opportunity. Contact information for professional references will be requested later in the search process. Formal review of applications will begin soon after application deadline and continue until the position is filled or the search is terminated.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves approximately 4,000 students in 60 undergraduate programs of study, 41 minors, 44 graduate programs of study, 1 doctorate, 43 graduate certificates, and coursework that leads to 8 ISBE endorsements. The academic curriculum offers students a strong liberal arts core, a wide range of professional programs, and close faculty interaction. Making the most of its location in the state capital, UIS is broadly engaged in public policy and service. Its diverse student body includes traditional, non-traditional, and international students. Twenty-five percent of majors are in 17 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs and the campus has received several national awards for its implementation of online learning. UIS faculty are committed teachers, active scholars, and professionals in service to society. The University emphasizes excellence in teaching. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at https://www.uis.edu and the unit website at https://www.uis.edu/isp
About Springfield, Illinois: https://www.uis.edu/academic-affairs/about-our-springfield-community/
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.
As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio. UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State Universities Retirement System
- You do not pay Social Security taxes and your earnings will not be on your Social Security record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.)
- Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:
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. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.
***Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.***
