Job Description
The Desert Research Institute’s (DRI’s) Division of Hydrologic Sciences is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher or Assistant Research Professor in hydrologic sciences and remote sensing. This position is located in DRI’s Northern Nevada Science Center in Reno, NV and is intended to integrate ongoing research endeavors in DRI’s Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, and Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, as well as the multi-disciplinary Centers. This position will complement cross-disciplinary programs linking hydrology, agriculture, remote sensing, GIS, and cloud computing.
The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for processing and analyzing remote sensing and climate data sets from government and private providers, including analysis of weather and climate archives and forecasts and multispectral optical and thermal datasets for estimating open water evaporation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, vegetation status and trends, and other land surface states and fluxes. The successful candidate must have a strong background in computer programming for environmental modeling and assessment. Expertise in advanced methods to manage and fuse multiple weather and climate reanalysis and forecast products (e.g. ERA5, NLDAS, RTMA, CFS, GEOS-5) multi-sensor satellite data (e.g. Landsat, Sentinel-2, MODIS, VIIRS) and high performance or cloud computing is required. Additional responsibilities include leading and participating in writing competitive research grants, manuscripts, and mentoring. The successful candidate will support ongoing and new programs at DRI related to open water evaporation and water use assessments in the western U.S., and other arid and semi-arid regions globally. Candidates that have strong programming skills and who use large remote sensing and climate assets for assessing vegetation, evapotranspiration, and drought conditions are strongly encouraged to apply.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Postdoctoral Researcher
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Hydrology, Geography, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution with a background in quantitative remote sensing. All But Dissertation (ABD) applicants will be considered as long the Ph.D. degree is completed by the time employment starts.
- Advanced programming skills with experience using Git version control
- Demonstrated experience in cloud and/or high performance computing of petabyte-scale satellite and climate data (i.e. Google Earth Engine, Google Cloud, AWS, Planetary Computer)
- Experience with geospatial data processing and GIS
- Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of the ability to coordinate collaborative research and work collegially in a group setting
- Ability to collaboratively develop research proposals and participate in grant writing
- Ability to work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines
- Ability to effectively analyze and report research findings to sponsors, at conferences, and during professional meetings
- Ability to publish peer reviewed publications
Assistant Research Professor
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Hydrology, Geography, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or related field from an accredited institution with a background in quantitative remote sensing
- Advanced programming skills with experience using Git version control
- Demonstrated experience in cloud and/or high performance computing of petabyte-scale satellite and climate data (i.e. Google Earth Engine, Google Cloud, AWS, Planetary Computer)
- Extensive expertise in geospatial data processing and GIS
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of leading and coordinating collaborative research
- Demonstrated ability to lead research proposals and participate in grant writing
- Ability to lead research team members and work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to lead and report research findings to sponsors, at conferences, and during professional meetings
- Evidence of peer reviewed publications and leading writing and research activities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated expertise in evaporation, evapotranspiration, and drought monitoring
- Experience integrating climate and weather reanalysis and forecasts, and hydrologic states and fluxes, with satellite Earth observation data
- Experience with spatial and temporal data fusion approaches
- Experience with advanced time series analysis and statistical methods
- Experience with web mapping and visualization
- Expertise in open source open platform programming languages (Python preferred)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.
Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members.
With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
SALARY / BENEFITS
Minimum annual salary for the postdoctoral researcher is $60,000 and the minimum annual salary for the Assistant Research Professor is $82,000. Salaries are competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Recruited postdocs may have continued appointment (assessed annually for up to a maximum of three years dependent upon performance and availability of funding. This position is eligible for DRI’s benefits package and relocation assistance. Benefit summaries and relocation assistance details can be found at: https://www.dri.edu/careers/
ExemptYes
Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section:
- A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI
- A current curriculum vita
- Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Lists of eligible candidates will be established and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.
For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 775-674-7114.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.
Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).
All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.
