Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
- Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
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- Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.
Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Snow Hydrology within the Division of Atmospheric Science (DAS). The incumbent will contribute to a multi-institute funded project that focuses on the snow-soil interface and atmospheric drivers of terrestrial water input to the soil. Candidates should have a background in snow hydrology, atmospheric science, and field experience with both snow and soil observations. We are particularly interested in candidates with sensor development and data management experience.
The position will be based at DRI’s Reno campus. Travel will be a significant component of the project, and will include travel to field sites, collaborators’ offices, and conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. from an accredited university in a relevant field completed within the past 5 years.
- Research experience in one or more of the areas relevant to the funded project including but not limited to: snow hydrology, snowmelt (hydrology and the large-scale atmospheric processes driving snowmelt), boundary layer meteorology, and in situ observations of snowpack, soil moisture, and meteorological variables.
- Demonstrated contribution to original research published in peer reviewed journals.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
- Experience using computer programming (e.g., Python, R, Matlab) for data analysis and visualization.
- Experience operating a vehicle and equipment in adverse weather and road conditions
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience planning and executing cold or adverse weather field operations.
- Experience with observational networks, including building and maintaining observational sensors and multi-sensor platforms.
- Experience with data quality assurance/quality control methods.
- General understanding of Western United States mountain hydrometeorology and climatology.
- Demonstrated ability to publish original research as first author in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience contributing to funded proposals.
Conditions of Employment:
- Ability to safely operate a vehicle in adverse road conditions.
Salary/Benefits
The minimum annual starting salary for the Postdoctoral Researcher is $60,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience and education. The DRI Human Resources office performs periodic equity reviews to ensure that faculty salaries keep pace with the market.
DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account, and a retirement plan that is beyond compare. Postdocs receive a 6.2% retirement contribution match, 15 annual leave days, and a beginning balance of 15 sick leave days. You are 100% vested in the retirement plan on your first day. Additionally, there is no state income tax in Nevada and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of postdoc benefits can be found HERE. Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers.
Organizational Summary
DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students/postdocs 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 effect on humans. DRI’s cutting-edge 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.
DAS postdoctoral researchers hired from this posting will be eligible for promotion to permanent faculty (Assistant Research Professor) upon the successful completion of their postdoc. To support the postdoc in working towards this goal, DAS will provide support for the incumbent to begin to develop their own research program as a postdoc. DRI postdocs are eligible to serve as PIs on research grants, and the incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with colleagues across DRI and at other institutions. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal early career mentoring programs provided by DRI Human Resources.
DRI is deeply committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognizes that encouraging a diverse culture strengthens problem solving skills and creativity and increases productivity. An inclusive and diverse environment improves the workplace culture and encourages employee engagement. DRI also takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty, and staff. Additional information can be found at DRI’s Diversity and Inclusion Webpage.
Exempt: Yes
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 contribute to this project,
- A current curriculum vita,
- Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process following applicant consent.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately to receive full consideration. This posting will remain open until the position is filled, but hiring may occur at any time . Recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type “Browse Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0138914” in the search box.
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 email recruit@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.
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.
