Job Description
The newest generation of hydrologic scientists play a critical role in defining, understanding, and solving humanity’s most pressing needs for a sustainable future, the well-being of our communities, and regional economic prosperity. DRI’s leadership role in the recently awarded NSF Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE) highlights the need for understanding connections between hydrological issues in the Southwest and other aspects of urban sustainability including energy, carbon and community well-being. The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is well-positioned to address these multi-sector challenges and is looking to expand capabilities that support research in this area as well as in traditional areas of hydrological science.
The Division of Hydrologic Sciences at DRI anticipates awarding up to three Postdoctoral Researchers supported by the Sulo and Aileen Maki Endowment through a competitive search process. We are seeking recent PhD’s (<=2 years) with demonstrated skills in applying quantitative and innovative approaches to addressing research problems driven by current challenges in hydrologic sciences and who can extend our research in new directions. This is a unique opportunity to work with DRI faculty on a project of your design in a flexible and supportive environment that will initiate a successful research career.
Recognizing the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of hydrologic sciences, we encourage applicants with outstanding research potential in water-related issues including, but not limited to:
- Water supply and resource forecasting incorporating coupled hydrologic-climate modeling
- AI, Machine Learning and Statistical Learning applied to improve understanding of the changing intensity and localization of hydrologic processes
- Hydro-economics and market-based approaches to the sustainability of common pool resources
- Environmental system optimization with focus on Urban Hydrology
- Hydrologic impacts of drought on natural and/or built environments
- Ground water – surface water – atmospheric interactions
The positions are located in Las Vegas, NV, one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. due to favorable climate and cost of living, no state income tax and access to natural wonders with world class hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and proximity to 13 National Parks.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in hydrology/hydrogeology, engineering, earth sciences or other related discipline from an accredited institution
- Ability to work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines
- Evidence of the ability to participate in and coordinate collaborative research
- Ability to develop research proposals and participate in grant writing and peer-reviewed publications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Research focus that is complementary with existing DRI programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in applying programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab) to manage data, create data-driven models and extract insights and relationships from them
- Familiarity with setting up and running numerical models of physical and/or physical-social processes
- Evidence of the ability to initiate and grow inter and intra-institutional networks of research colleagues
ExemptYes
Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Two -Stage Application Process:
Stage 1: Please upload the following documents in the specified section:
- a current curriculum vitae
- a cover letter with research experience and career goals including 1-2 paragraphs that serve as an abstract of potential research projects and their connection to ongoing DRI research programs
- contact information for three professional references to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.
Stage 2: A search committee review will select a subset of Stage 1 applicants who will be invited to submit a short (~ 5-pages) project proposal. Details on the format and requirements will be provided at that time.
Stage 1 application materials are due by March 15th. Final decisions based on Stage 2 materials are expected to be made in early May with the postdoctoral fellowships beginning prior to September 1st, 2024.
Qualified individuals who meet all qualifications and requirements are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of groups under-represented in the hydrologic sciences.
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, “R0141046” in the search box.
Compensation/Benefits
The minimum annual starting salary for the Sulo and Aileen Maki Postdoctoral Researcher is $65,000. 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
Researchers have access to world-class laboratories, field equipment and computational resources within DRI. Researchers will work throughout their time at DRI with a Postdoctoral Researcher mentoring committee dedicated to helping each Researcher build a successful research career. DRI Postdoctoral Researchers go on to successful careers at DRI, in academia, in state and federal agencies, and within private companies.
Organizational Summary
Since 1959, DRI has been at the forefront of understanding Earth’s complex environmental systems, promoting the preservation of diverse ecosystems, advancing responsible natural resource management, and improving human health and welfare throughout Nevada and around the world. Research at DRI calls upon the expertise and methods of multiple scientific disciplines.
At DRI, more than 500 highly skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, and students are collaboratively focused on answering critical questions about global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, the sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, and more. DRI’s research personnel are untenured, entrepreneurial, and responsible for their own salaries from individual and collaborative external grants and contracts. This blend of academic rigor and private-sector pragmatism has earned DRI a reputation for delivering rapid, high-quality environmental science in a business-like fashion.
For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email jobs@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548
Additional information on DRI and the faculty and ongoing research within the Division of Hydrologic Sciences is available at: http://www.dri.edu/hydrologic-sciences
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Posting Close Date05/31/2024
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.
