Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Chemistry

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI's) Division of Hydrologic Sciences is seeking an innovative scientist with a strong background in the general areas of hydrology, environmental chemistry, and soil sciences. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for planning and organizing field and laboratory experiments and analyzing and interpreting microplastic data from water and soil samples. Candidates that have experience with the application of microscope enabled Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for microplastic detection are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition to research duties, the candidate will have opportunities to participate in grant writing and proposal development. The successful candidate will support ongoing and new interdisciplinary programs at DRI at the interface of hydrology, soil sciences, and chemistry, as part of an interdisciplinary team at DRI. The research will be based in Reno, although exchanges with collaborating laboratories are anticipated.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution with a focus on hydrology and/or environmental chemistry, with a strong interdisciplinary background;
• Experience with microscope enabled FTIR analysis of environmental samples for quantification of microplastics;
• Demonstrated experience processing microscope enabled FTIR spectra for quantification of microplastics;
• Experience working collegially in a group setting;
• Experience publishing in peer reviewed literature;
• Experience developing research proposals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with statistical analysis of FTIR datasets;
• Experience with laboratory preparation of geochemical samples;
• Interest in developing a research program at the intersection of emerging contaminants, soil quality, and water quality;
• Field-based and/or other applied experience collecting water and soil samples.

Conditions of Employment

• Some travel expected for field work, workshops, and conferences.

Salary/Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary for the Postdoctoral Researcher is $65,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience and education. The DRI Human Resources office performs periodic equity reviews to ensure that faculty salaries keep pace with the market.

DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account, and a retirement plan that is beyond compare. Postdocs receive a 6.2% retirement contribution match, 15 annual leave days, and a beginning balance of 15 sick leave days. You are 100% vested in the retirement plan on your first day. Additionally, there is no state income tax in Nevada and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of postdoc benefits can be found HERE.  Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers.

Organizational Summary

DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students/postdocs 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 effect on humans. DRI’s cutting-edge science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

DRI Promotion and Career Progression

DHS postdoctoral researchers hired from this posting may be eligible for promotion to regular faculty (Assistant Research Professor) upon the successful completion of their postdoc. To support the postdoc in working towards this goal, DHS will provide support for the incumbent to begin to develop their own research program as a postdoc. DRI postdocs are eligible to serve as PIs on research grants, and the incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with colleagues across DRI and at other institutions. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal early career mentoring programs provided by DRI Human Resources. Promotion from Postdoctoral Researcher to Assistant Research Professor can occur when the Postdoctoral Researcher demonstrates the ability to develop and sustain their own funding.

DRI faculty are supported through competitive grants and contracts with external funding agencies, and faculty therefore have access to considerable administrative support and an Institute-wide entrepreneurial approach to maintaining success in developing funding programs. DRI has been successful in using this model to create scientific breakthroughs and applied science solutions to some of the most challenging problems facing the nation and the world for over 60 years. DRI is a research-focused institution and teaching and advising of graduate students is not required but is possible through the Graduate Schools at the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing how your education and experience address the required qualifications and prepare you to contribute to DRI,
• A current curriculum vita,
• Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process following applicant consent.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately to receive full consideration. This posting will remain open until the position is filled, but hiring may occur at any time. Recruitment will close without notice when 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, “R0149594” 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.

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.