Associate Research Professor, Soil Physics

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Job Description

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI's) Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) is seeking a qualified individual to join an interdisciplinary research organization at the forefront of advancing hydrologic and micrometeorological science in arid and semiarid environments. This individual will lead an externally funded research program focused on the field measurement, network operation, and quantitative analysis of soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET), and land-atmosphere energy exchange across Nevada and the arid West. The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in soil physics, vadose zone hydrology, and micrometeorology. Experience integrating ground-based networks with remotely sensed or gridded soil moisture and ET products, and with scientific data pipeline development for automated processing and quality assurance, is strongly encouraged.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with other DRI faculty and outside partners who conduct a broad range of environmental research projects, including state and federal agencies engaged in water balance and drought monitoring. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with a sustained record of peer-reviewed publication, network or program leadership, and service to the broader soil moisture/ET measurement community. This position is based in Reno, NV, with the option for a hybrid/flexible work schedule and periodic travel to field sites and the Southern Nevada Science Center.

Required Experience/Education

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience closely related to the duties of this position.
• Demonstrated in-depth experience in at least one approach to soil moisture measurement or modeling, groundwater recharge, or micrometeorological techniques.
• Experience designing, operating, or maintaining environmental monitoring networks.
• Track record of producing collaborative technical project reports and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated success writing competitive research grants and managing grants/contracts.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with numerical modeling of complex near-surface processes.
• Experience integrating ground-based measurements with remotely sensed or gridded soil moisture/ET data products.
• Demonstrated scientific software or data pipeline development experience for automated data processing and QA/QC.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or early-career staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a complex program consisting of multidisciplinary team members of varying experience levels contributing to multiple projects
• Lead existing collaborative relationships with state or federal water resource agencies that could be extended in support of DRI's mission.

Conditions of Employment

• Due to security requirements associated with accessing essential project sites and information, ALL applicants MUST be citizens of the United States.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver’s license is required
• Local and regional overnight travel is required
• Field work to remote locations may be required

Compensation/Benefits

Minimum starting salary is $122,293 and is commensurate with experience and education. DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three 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

The Desert Research Institute (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.

Exempt

Full-Time Equivalent

Required Attachment(s)

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. A list 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.

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 R0153433 in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email View email address on aiapply.co or call the recruiting office at View phone number on aiapply.co.

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.