Research Scientist

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The Research Scientist plays a strong role in participating in and supporting one or more of the scientific experiments being performed at SURF. The Research Scientist supports experiments at SURF by serving as a liaison between the science experiments and SURF operations to ensure the SURF research program is of the highest quality. The Research Scientist may also provide leadership, coaching and/or mentoring or act as a lead or first-level supervisor. The Research Scientist’s responsibilities include work on the surface as well as underground.

Line of Authority

The Research Scientist reports directly to the SDSTA Science Director.

Functional Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

Leadership

• Serves as a formal collaborator in at least one of the SURF experiments with notable responsibilities.
• Gains and applies advanced knowledge of experimental systems and is able to initiate system modifications with minimal supervision.
• Collaborates with industry or academic specialists to apply the results of research and develop new techniques.
• Prepares presentations and other written reports to effectively communicate summaries, analysis, and planning to internal and external audiences on topics relating to
• functional responsibilities.
• Provides guidance and takes a leadership role in matters of safety, including operating and emergency procedures.
• May direct work of others and/or provide leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring.

Experiment Reviews

• Participates in scientific, technical and safety reviews of experiments.

Experiment Support

• Provides technical expertise in major areas.
• Develops and reviews detailed procedures including during installation and commissioning, operations and decommissioning.
• Diagnoses complex operational problems and implements resolutions.
• Assists with the installation and commissioning of scientific equipment as needed.
• Performs analyses of scientific and operational data.

Accountabilities

The Research Scientist has the following accountabilities:

• To the SDSTA Science Director to ensure scientific research needs are met and conveying information regularly to the Science Director concerning the Research Scientist responsibilities.

Authorities

The Research Scientist has the following authorities:

• To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the health and safety of staff, the public or the environment.

Education

• Advanced degree (e.g., PhD or equivalent) in experimental science is required.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in underground experimental science is required.
• Experimental science, including complex instrumentation, systems, methodology and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability through publications and experience to design, build and operate apparatus for underground experiments.

Certifications

• N/A.

Competencies

• Adaptability–Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands.
• Attention to Detail–Ability to pay careful attention to details and complete tasks in an accurate, complete and timely manner.
• Communications–Ability to communicate effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form, including complex and highly technical topics.
• Customer Service–Ability to interact courteously and demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population.
• Decision Making–Ability to assess situations, evaluate options, and choose most appropriate course of action.
• Initiative–Ability to assess situations and conditions and make suggestions for improvements.
• Organization–Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, keep order and coordinate a variety of activities.
• Safety–Ability to learn, understand and comply with SDSTA's safety program. Willing to accept and enforce strict safety practices.

Working Requirements

• Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.
• Comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
• Perform work in a typical office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Work in all types of environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wet, cold).
• Occasionally work from ladders, scaffolding, and in confined places.
• Perform work in the SURF underground environment at depths up to 5000 feet.
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., material handling and transportation devices) and occasionally manipulate heavy items.
• Operate hand and power tools.
• Work shifts, weekends, holidays and callouts as scheduled.
• Some travel for conferences, workshops, or reviews is required.

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. We foster a work community where every individual feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard and discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or political affiliation is prohibited.