Geological Research Specialist

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN, USA 🇺🇸

Job ID: 306363

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Department

INDIANA GEOLOGICAL & WATER SUR (BL-GEOY-IUBLA)

Department Information

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), a research institute of Indiana University (IU), seeks applications for a research geologist with expertise in the water-rock-energy continuum. We are particularly interested in a dynamic, cross-trained scientist who will contribute to the long-term mapping programs of geology in Indiana and beyond and contribute to our understanding of the state’s water, mineral, and energy resources and natural hazards.

All positions are expected to cooperate across the IGWS Research, Information Services, and Business Divisions to advance long-term research and mapping plans and complement the culture of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey. Collaborative opportunities exist with other researchers across the IU-Educational System. Collaborative research and grant programs with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, and state agencies in Indiana will comprise an important portion of this position.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment and inclusive workplace. We seek candidates who understand different perspectives and cultures, can actively contribute to the work environment where differences are valued and supported, and are sensitive to cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communication.

Job Summary

Department-Specific Responsibilities

  • The IGWS seeks to recruit a dynamic research geologist with broad interests in geological mapping, energy, mineral, and water resources, and hazards.
  • This position will independently and with a team plans and conducts basic and applied research relating to Indiana’s geology and natural resources at regional to site-specific scales.
  • Areas of research expertise could include the use of novel tools for geological, aquifer, and reservoir mapping, monitoring, and evaluation through on-site testing, remote sensing, geophysics, and geochemistry; the assessment of surface water-groundwater interactions using geochemical modeling or isotopic and other tracers; characterization of geologic media in the field and lab using contemporary approaches in petrology, geochemistry, and isotopes; and the use of geospatial data to design and use geodatabases for mapping and analysis on a variety of platforms.
  • Cooperates across the IGWS Research, Information Services, and Business Divisions. Collaborates opportunities exist with other researchers across the IU-Bloomington Campus. Collaborates research and grant programs with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, and state agencies in Indiana will comprise an important portion of this position.

General Responsibilities

  • Plans and develops research projects, methods, and techniques.
  • Collects, analyzes, and interprets data from maps, well logs, samples, and/or geologic/geophysical field investigations.
  • Supervises and performs field and laboratory work using a variety of field and lab equipment.
  • Participates in externally and internally funded research projects.
  • Analyzes and interprets research findings and presents findings as geologic maps, professional papers, and personal contacts.
  • Responds to requests for information from the general public, government agencies, industry, and academia that relate to the geology and related resources of Indiana.
  • Reviews published literature pertaining to specific research.
  • Coordinates research projects with other state geological surveys and other research groups.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with coursework or research experience in geology

Preferred

  • Master’s degree with coursework or research experience in geology

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

  • 2 years of experience with geological research

Preferred

  • A multi-disciplinary background with research experience in geological mapping and the characterization of earth materials.
  • Geologic knowledge of Indiana and the Midwest

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS

Required

  • Proficient communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

The role regularly requires the ability to communicate effectively. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation. Must be willing to travel both in Indiana and out of state.

Areas of research expertise could include the use of novel tools for geological mapping, monitoring, evaluation through on-site testing, remote sensing, geophysics, and geochemistry; characterization of geologic media in the field and lab using contemporary approaches in petrology, geochemistry, and isotopes; and the use of geospatial data to design and utilize geodatabases for mapping and analysis on a variety of platforms.

Willing to travel both in Indiana and out-of-state. Position includes significant work in the field, must be able to travel over rough terrain.

Work Location

Indiana University Bloomington

This is an in-person position, subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs

Advertised Salary

$47,132.80 – $60,000.00 per year

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

  • Multiple plan options for medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
  • Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
  • Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
  • Additional supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition benefit for IU classes
  • 10 paid holidays per year
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Geological Sciences & Survey

Click here to learn more about Indiana University’s Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be differences in the working conditions as advertised in our standard job postings (e.g., the ability to travel from one campus to another, etc.).  If you are invited for an interview, please discuss your questions or concerns regarding the working conditions at that time. 

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

New employees will be provided with information regarding Indiana University’s COVID-19 vaccine policy, which includes the opportunity to request an exemption. To learn more, view our COVID-19 vaccine information page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

Contact Us

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Telephone: 812-856-1234


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development