Desert Research Institute Looking for Associate or Full Research Professor in Hydrologic Sciences/Engineering Full Time

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is accepting applications for an Associate or Full Research Professor in Hydrologic Sciences and/or Hydrologic Engineering within the Division of Hydrologic Science (DHS). The area of specialization is open; however, we are seeking a candidate to catalyze new and creative research programs that intersect and expand existing expertise at DRI. We are particularly interested in candidates who can clearly communicate technical work to citizens and stakeholders, resource managers, policy makers and rights holders. After reviewing existing research expertise in DHS, the incumbent should highlight in their cover letter how their research program would not only complement, but also diversify the research portfolio of the Division.

The incumbent may choose to work at DRI’s Reno or Las Vegas, NV campus. Hybrid or remote work arrangements are possible. Although the incumbent will be within DHS, they will also have the opportunity to work with colleagues in the other two Divisions at DRI: the Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS) and Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES). A combination of technical and interpersonal communication skills is required. A startup package commensurate with the hiring level and candidate’s research area/needs and experience is available.

Experience conducting research using a variety of approaches (e.g., models, data mining, fieldwork, laboratory work), and experience working with the public, and state and federal agencies are preferred.

A Career at DRI

DRI faculty are primarily supported through competitive grants and contracts with external funding agencies. DRI faculty have access to considerable administrative support and an Institute-wide entrepreneurial approach to maintaining success in developing funding programs. DRI faculty have 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. Teaching and advising of graduate students is not required, but is possible through the Graduate Schools at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Promotion in the Research Professor ranks follows the standard academic track (Assistant Research Professor, Associate Research Professor, Research Professor) and depends on the sustained success and funding of the faculty member’s research program.

Requirements for Associate Research Professor

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a field providing appropriate training for a successful career in hydrologic science or engineering.
• Ability to initiate, plan, obtain funding, and carry out research projects; and potential for professional growth.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding, commensurate with a growing research program.
• Intent and ability to bring some or all of existing funding portfolio or new outside collaborators to DRI.
• Experience in program development and management.
• A record of publications, including peer-reviewed publications, and/or other intellectual productivity including reports, patents, intellectual property development, and presentations.
• Evidence of increasing professional recognition at the regional, national, and/or international levels.
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills.

Requirements for Full Research Professor include the requirements for Associate Research Professor plus

• Demonstrated sustained, long-term success in:
• Securing external funding for research projects or programs.
• Securing funding support for others.
• Program development and management.
• Productivity including a strong record of publications, including peer-reviewed publications, and/or other intellectual productivity including reports, patents, intellectual property development, and presentations.
• Demonstrated National and international professional recognition. Examples include but are not limited to leadership in professional societies, membership in external review panels and/or teams informing federal agencies on national and international policies/strategies, peer recognition, maintaining a web and/or press presence.

Preferred Qualifications for Associate and Full Research Professor

• Mentoring of earlier career faculty and staff that may include advising graduate students.
• Service to a larger community that can include activities within current and past employers, professional societies, and other volunteer and non-profit organizations.

Salary/Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary for the Associate Research Professor is $102,000 and the minimum starting salary for the Full Research Professor is $124,000. 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. Incoming Faculty members receive compensation support and startup packages as they develop their independent research portfolios.

DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 17.50% contribution is generously matched by DRI. You are 100% vested in the retirement plan on your first day. Our benefits package also offers 24 annual leave days, a 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 in Nevada and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of the faculty benefits can be found here.

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/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 Faculty build and grow research programs across the spectrum from basic to applied science. DRI Faculty are eligible to join the graduate faculty at both UNR and UNLV and can advise graduate students enrolled at those universities. DHS faculty are most often affiliated with the UNR Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences (GPHS) and the UNLV Water Resources Management (WRM) Program but are also encouraged to establish advising relationships with other departments that engage with their research programs.

DRI is deeply committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognizes that encouraging a diverse culture strengthens problem solving skills and creativity and increases productivity. Additionally, an inclusive and diverse environment improves the workplace culture and encourages employee engagement. DRI also takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty, and staff. Additional information can be found at DRI’s Diversity and Inclusion Webpage.

Required Attachments

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed at DRI and addressing your experience in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in other positions.
• A current curriculum vita.
• A research plan (2-3 pages) describing your vision for what you intend to accomplish at DRI starting on your first day and how you will nurture and grow your vision by developing and sustaining an independently funded research program at DRI. This should include a description of infrastructure needs to support your research program.
• A tabulation of current and pending support and indication of what funding and obligations will come with you to DRI.
• 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. 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.

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 775-674-7114.