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.
- Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
- 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’s (DRI’s) Division of Hydrologic Sciences seeks an Assistant Research Scientist of Hydrology and Remote Sensing. The successful candidate will develop, maintain, and apply hydrology and satellite remote sensing data. They will utilize cloud computing software and develop web applications to process data and quantify evapotranspiration, assess consumptive use of irrigation water, and explore linkages between vegetation, water supply, and climate. This position will support ongoing programs at DRI to develop and analyze evapotranspiration and hydrology datasets across the western U.S. and other arid and semi-arid regions. Candidates possessing skills in the development and application of software to process gridded weather and climate data, satellite remote sensing data, and use of industry standard software and software development tools and protocols (e.g. GitHub), are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is located in Reno, NV.
Required Experience/Education
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a focus on hydrology, earth sciences, remote sensing, geospatial modeling, or computer science
- Experience in development and application of satellite-based evapotranspiration software
- Experience in data science, analysis, and management of large spatiotemporal datasets
- Experience in using Google Earth Engine (JavaScript and Python APIs)
- Expertise and strong evidence in using Python programming language
- Experience with automating geospatial workflows and processing large spatiotemporal datasets using Python and relevant geospatial libraries (e.g. GeoPandas, Xarray)
- Experience in developing, documenting, maintaining, and applying software using industry standard version control and software development and documentation protocols and style guides (e.g. GitHub, Read the Docs)
- Advanced skills using GIS software (e.g. QGIS, GDAL)
- Strong evidence of applied statistical and mathematical skills
- Experience developing advanced data visualizations and web applications
- U.S. Citizenship per sponsor funding requirements
Preferred Experience
- Experience in development and application of soil water balance models and groundwater recharge products
- Experience in processing CMIP5 and CMIP6 General Circulation Model projections
- Experience in developing and implementing end-to-end geospatial data pipelines, including automated workflows for data extraction, processing, analysis, and visualization of large spatiotemporal datasets using Python and other relevant tools
- Experience with the METRIC evapotranspiration model
- Knowledge of evapotranspiration processes and physics of evapotranspiration
- Experience applying machine learning techniques (e.g. random forest, gradient boosted trees) to remote sensing and geospatial data
- Experience developing examples and tutorial software (e.g. Google Colab, Jupyter Notebooks)
- Experience using Google Cloud products, storage buckets, and Cloud Optimized Geotiffs (COGs)
- Familiarity with OpenET and Climate Engine web application and APIs
- Experience with stakeholder engagement, outreach, and trainings on the use of developed software and web applications
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience working with large teams
Compensation and Benefits
The minimum annual starting salary is $85,169 and is competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and aligns with similar public academic research institutions. DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; including 17.5% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of two health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
Organizational Summary
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.
The position will be based in Reno situated in northwestern Nevada at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Reno boasts 300+ days of sunshine and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater paddling, and golfing in the summer and fall to alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
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.
ExemptYes
Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section of the job posting on DRI’s careers page:
- 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
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.
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, “R0143875” 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 jobs@dri.edu orcall 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.
