DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeologist OR Post-Doctoral Fellow, Hydrogeologist Salary in the United States

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI's) Division of Hydrologic Sciences, in Reno, NV, is seeking an innovative scientist with expertise in the general areas of hydrology, geology, and geochemistry. The successful candidate will contribute their expertise on a project studying northern Nevadans’ exposure to harmful environmental contaminates as part of a newly funded National Institute of Health (NIH) R01 research project to examine the genetic links between cancer and environmental carcinogens in the form of arsenic and naturally occurring asbestos. The successful candidate must have a strong background in hydrology (groundwater/surface), geology, and excellent data management skills. Candidates that have past experience performing field based hydrologic and geologic studies are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will contribute to a growing range of new programs at DRI focused on understanding the role the environment plays in influencing human health. As a post-doctoral fellow, individuals will have the opportunity to serve as a lead investigator on future projects related to new environmental-health programs at DRI.

Required Qualifications:

• MSc or Ph.D. with a focus on hydrology, geology, geochemistry or environmental resource engineering from an accredited institution, with a strong interdisciplinary background;
• Field-based and/or other applied experience collecting and cataloging aqueous and/or geologic samples;
• Experience with management and organization of hydrologic, geologic, and/or geochemical data-sets;
• Able to work extended hours in the field (in remote locations) and drive off road using 4x4 vehicles;
• Able to carry field equipment and rock/water samples (up to 40 lbs.) across variable terrain;
• Ability to work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines;
• Effective verbal and written skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate to the public.

Preferred Qualifications:

MS or PhD: Assistant Research Scientist

• Experience conducting aqueous and/or rock geochemical analyses;
• Familiarity with GIS;
• Skills in statistical analysis;
• Able to work collegially in a group setting.

PhD: Post-Doctoral Fellow (Including above qualifications)

• Well-established knowledge of geologic and hydrological processes from local to regional scales;
• Ability to design, set up, and implement novel field and laboratory experiments;
• Experience with statistical analysis of hydrologic, geologic, or geochemical datasets;
• Demonstrated ability to develop oral/poster presentations and write peer-reviewed papers with limited supervision;
• Ability to participate in the development of research proposals.

Conditions of Employment

Work in remote field locations in northern Nevada, for days at a time; work a variable schedule depending on the program needs.

Organizational Summary

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. For 60 years, DRI research faculty, students, and staff have applied scientific understanding to support the effective management of natural resources while meeting Nevada's needs for economic diversification and science-based educational opportunities. With more than 400 employees and two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI is one of eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Living in Reno

Reno is a vibrant community that has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to hit the slopes in the Sierras, relax on the beaches of Tahoe, or just find a great place to read that paper, we've got you covered. Learn more about living in the Reno/Tahoe region from our friends at the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and The Chamber of Northern Nevada.

Compensation/Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications. Candidate will be hired at the level/rank that is comparable to candidate’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Postdoctoral appointments are assessed annually for up to a maximum of three years being dependent upon performance and availability of funding. DRI offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement with matching contributions, annual leave days, a beginning balance of sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee, spouse and dependents, and the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. See this link for a benefits overview:  http://www.dri.edu/careers/employee-benefits.