DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE Staff or Professorial STEM Educator Salary in the United States

The Office of Education (OED) at the Desert Research Institute welcomes applications from individuals with experience in STEM research and program development. We seek creative Masters- and PhD-level faculty in formal or informal education who are interested in taking an entrepreneurial approach to bringing innovative ideas into action. We are looking for individuals who are stimulated by challenge, have novel ideas, and enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams.

Successful candidate(s) will collaborate with our team of experienced STEM educators who lead programs involving K-12 teacher professional development, citizen science, traveling science kits, cybersecurity training, and other topics. Our education faculty contribute to the broader impacts missions of the scientists, postdocs, and graduate students across DRI’s Atmospheric, Hydrologic, and Earth and Ecosystem Sciences divisions as well as our colleagues across the Nevada System of Higher Education.

If you are passionate about education as the key to environmental sustainability and a science-literate community, we invite you to apply.

Position description

The position(s) will help develop and lead science education research and service initiatives. Grant writing and fundraising is an essential part of this position.

Successful applicants are expected to grow into an entrepreneurial Principal Investigator capable of identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals, and executing programs with the support of administrative and educational staff. Characteristics we seek include the ability to think critically, use evidence to support program development, and strong sense of accountability for results. Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Desirable topical expertise may include (but is not limited to):

• Design and execution of mixed-method research on the impact of education programs
• Literature-based best practices for development of NGSS-aligned K-12 curriculum, citizen science programs, and/or STEM workforce development
• Evaluation of formal and informal STEM learning environments and/or empirical methods for continued improvement of education programs
• Evidence-based approaches and effective pedagogies for creating curriculum and teacher professional development

PhD-level faculty can supervise Postdoctoral Associates and serve as graduate advisor to students seeking degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Required qualifications:

• A Masters or Ph.D. in STEM education or a learning sciences-related field or alternatively, a STEM graduate degree plus commensurate experience in education programs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to meet multiple and competing deadlines in a fast-paced setting
• Project management experience
• Experience understanding and supporting sponsor needs

Preferred qualifications:

• Leadership experience in STEM-related programs
• A record of successful proposal writing and/or fundraising
• A record of peer-reviewed publications
• Proven ability to successfully build, enhance and maintain meaningful and strategic relationships across the organization; with community partners; and with internal and external stakeholders.

Salary/Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications.  Candidate will be hired at the rank that is comparable to candidate’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.  DRI offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, 15.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, a beginning balance of 30 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. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. 

Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. May be located in Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada. May require occasional travel between campuses. Ability to lift, carry, move up to 50 pounds.

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.

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• 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.

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 call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548.