Research Scientist III

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Institution	South Dakota Mines
Working Title	Research Scientist III
Posting Number	NFE02642P
Department	SDSMT-Civil & Environmental Engineering 1
Physical Location of Position (City)	Rapid City
Posting Text	The Civil & Environmental Engineering department at South Dakota Mines is seeing a Research Scientist III to join their department. This is a part-time, non-benefited position at 6.35% effort. Project description: The candidate will advance convergence research, field studies, education, and outreach for our NSF RII-T2 project, with a focus on developing next generation, microsensors. Through NSF AQUA-CLIME (Award 2418752), we aim to create a climate change research network engaging research experts, Indigenous communities, and academic partners. This network will integrate sensor technologies, molecular data analysis, and community strategies to develop climate-resilient water management solutions. The project will conduct molecular-level research to understand contaminant-water interactions under diverse climate scenarios, identifying molecular signatures and developing sensitive microsensors for pollutant detection. By combining Indigenous knowledge with advanced sensing technologies, the project will deliver intelligent, affordable monitoring systems for real-time insights, supporting decision-making and resilience against water challenges like shortages, contamination, and extreme weather. The project will advance research and outreach, focusing on integrating AI/ML-driven sensor technologies, molecular-level studies, sense and understand subtle contaminant interactions and identify molecular signatures. This work will drive innovation in microsensors for real-time pollutant detection and climate-resilient water management. By integrating AI/ML tools and Indigenous knowledge, the project aims to develop intelligent, affordable monitoring systems to enhance decision-making and resilience against water challenges. Duties and responsibilities: The candidate will contribute to the team’s efforts in advancing climate data processing and hydrological modeling, focusing on adaptive responses for tribal communities. The candidate will engage in community outreach and educational initiatives, sharing knowledge with undergraduate and graduate students and diverse stakeholders, including industry and government partners. The candidate will foster inter-institutional and international partnerships and guide students in conducting transformative research that contributes to high-impact journal publications. The candidate will contribute to lead research group meetings, preparation of reports, and publications. Qualifications: Candidates for this position must hold a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering or a related engineering field by the start date. Candidates are expected to have strong post-doctoral training in water resource research. Additionally, a robust research experience and project management experience and interdisciplinary experience are desirable to fulfill the position’s responsibilities effectively. Required Application materials: The applicant should upload recent curriculum vitae; a cover letter describing your interest in the job, how your background relates to this position, how this position can help you reach your career goals. The applicant should list three professional references (include name and email address for each reference). Optionally, the candidate can include following: three letters from references (focusing on how the candidate will fit the position description), statement of research, all aligning with the job description. The research statement could include impactful ideas for competitive proposals which showcase candidate’s expertise, vision, and potential for transformative contributions in the field. To Apply: South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at Careers at Mines (sdsmt.edu). Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin April 01, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Posting Date	03/18/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
First Consideration Date	04/01/2025
Advertised Salary	$33.01 – $42.91 dependent on education and experience
Duration of the Term	12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent	6.35%, 10 to 11 hours per month.
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type	Regular
Faculty Status	No
Scope of Search	External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires	Travel, No Requirement
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations	Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state’s second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement	South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensures that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
Contact Information

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.	Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Please check the appropriate response for this position’s use of the following protective clothing or equipment.	Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Other, Protective Clothing
If other protection is used please identify	Shoe

Please designate the physical requirements of this position	Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Lifting light, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)
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Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position.	Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day.	Biohazard, Chemical Hazards
Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed.	Classroom Environment, Lab Environment, Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below)
If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.	Field works

Research Scientist III

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Supplemental Questions

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