Staff/Assistant Research Scientist, Data Acquisition Specialist

The Division of Hydrologic Sciences (DHS) and Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES) of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) are seeking a Data Acquisition Specialist to support research activities under current Department of Defense (DOD) and other federally and State of Nevada funded projects based out of its Reno, NV campus. The successful applicant will be hired either as a Staff Research Scientist (Rank 1) or as an Assistant Research Scientist (Rank 2), depending on qualifications and experience. The incumbent will conduct field-based data collection (using loggers and/or traditional field methods) and will contribute to and/or be responsible for data processing, analysis, and interpretation. Activities will support ongoing and future research projects that explore solutions to real-world problems faced by various DOD and other government agencies using key concepts taken from traditional geoscience disciplines (e.g., soil science, hydrology, and environmental science). Projects have a network of equipment and sensors that require routine maintenance, upgrades, and new installations. The incumbent will be directly involved in numerous aspects of scientific research, including experimental design and setup, selection, testing, and maintenance of appropriate equipment, data collection and processing, and report writing. Other responsibilities will include project support activities as opportunities and needs arise, including support for ongoing remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), engineering design and fabrication, equipment budgeting and purchasing activities.

The position requires prior experience in at least two of the following areas: installation and maintenance of field instrumentation, experience with electronics wiring and configuration, data collection and processing, environmental sample collection, design of field experiments, and/or telemetry and device networking.

Required Qualifications for Staff Research Scientist

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in geoscience, hydrology, hydrogeology, or related environmental science/engineering field
• 2 years of demonstrated field experience related to data collection
• Experience with programming languages for data management and analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, CRBasic, SQL)
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and control standards
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Team player with diverse interests and abilities to adapt and learn new skills

Required Qualifications for Assistant Research Scientist

• Qualifications for Staff Research Scientist plus one additional year demonstrated field experience
• Demonstrated skills in the design and implementation of field-based experiments and data collection
• Familiarity with research grade environmental sensors and installations (e.g., weather stations, eddy covariance, soil sensors)
• Previous experience working with environmental sensors and dataloggers (e.g., Campbell Scientific)
• Experience acquiring and interpreting remote sensing data (UAS, satellite, aerial, geophysics)
• Experience developing and using GIS datasets

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with remote data acquisition and telemetry (e.g., cellular modems, radios)
• Experience with remote electronics set-up and upkeep (power budgets, solar installations)
• Familiarity with network configuration and IP management
• Experience writing and/or contributing to reports or other deliverables
• Experience with CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD)
• Experience with design and fabrication of experimental laboratory and field equipment, including CNC machining and welding
• Proven ability to assess and troubleshoot problems in the field, devise creative solutions, and implement effective repairs using available resources
• Experience with project planning and team leadership

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required per sponsor funding requirement
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check
• Valid driver’s license required or ability to obtain one by date of hire
• Must have the ability to work on DOD installations
• Must be willing and able to travel for fieldwork (e.g., installation and/or maintenance of equipment)
• Fieldwork to local, regional, and remote locations may be required
• This position may require the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 40 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling

Compensation and Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary for the Staff Research Scientist is $60,206 and Assistant Research Scientist 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.

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.

Required Attachments

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, “R0146266” 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 or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.