Desert Research Institute Looking for Postdoctoral Researcher, Soil Science/Soil Physics/Geomorphology Full Time

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI seeks one or two Postdoctoral Researchers with expertise in the general areas of Soil Science, Soil Physics, and Geomorphology to support currently funded projects in DRI’s Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (https://www.dri.edu/itap). We seek candidates that can support current sponsor-funded projects, conduct internally funded independent research, and participate in proposal development. Current project efforts are focused on: (1) developing systematic relations among landform type, soil properties, surface conditions, and vegetative cover that can provide realistic prediction or estimation of basic soil properties (e.g., soil strength, soil moisture, morphology), (2) integrated evaluation of soil-mass-energy balance, soil hydrology, and soil properties to advance knowledge of soil weathering and soil physical processes, (3) developing techniques for remote predictions of soil strength and terrain mobility, and (4) characterization of multi-scale soil dust emission processes. Independent research areas include a wide range of soil, geomorphic, Quaternary geologic, geochronologic, hydrologic, and GIS/remote-sensing topics. Research activities will include learning and conducting laboratory analyses in the Quaternary Pedology and Soil Characterization Laboratory (https://www.dri.edu/labs/soils-lab). The position is based at DRI’s Northern Nevada Science Center in Reno, Nevada.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil science, soil physics, hydrology, geoscience, or related fields in engineering (e.g., geologic, environmental) from an accredited institution.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative, team-based research.
• Proven self-starter who can take direction, but does not require it.
• Ability to work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines.

Due to the current health and safety emergency declaration, anyone hired must receive a complete (and verified) COVID-19 vaccination series or an approved medical or religious waiver request as a term and condition of employment prior to any start date at any Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institution.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates should possess knowledge, experience, or interest in one or more of the following technical areas (not listed in order or preference):

• US citizenship or a US Permanent Resident.
• Experience using soil, geomorphic, and/or Quaternary stratigraphic approaches to (1) model, map, and predict the multi-scale distribution of soils and associated surficial deposits, (2) analyze related geomorphic processes, and (3) evaluate the influence of climatic processes on soils and surficial processes.
• Experience in application of cosmogenic nuclides to quantify erosion and weathering rates and the geochronology of Quaternary landforms and soils; laboratory preparation of cosmogenic nuclide samples.
• GIS-based landscape modeling to quantify terrain characteristics such as surface roughness, cover, and/or distribution of surficial features.
• Knowledge of soil classification systems (NRCS, FAO, etc.), soil-landform relations, soil profile characterization, and soil-forming processes.
• Experience with the characterization of soil properties as related to profile morphology, soil strength/mechanics and/or trafficability.
• Experience with design, operation, and analysis of field- and laboratory-based systems for monitoring soil mass-energy balance, moisture, temperature, dielectric, and thermal parameters; operation and programming of dataloggers, processing of collected data.
• Experience with numerical modeling of soil hydrologic, physical, and thermal properties using existing software (e.g., HYDRUS, Rosetta, SHAW, SSiB).
• Standard soil laboratory procedures, including a wide range of soil physical (e.g., particle size determination), chemical (mineral extraction, XRD, XRF), and hydrologic (e.g., moisture release curves and thermal properties) analyses.
• Understanding of the relationships between geomorphic processes and Late Quaternary to historic climate dynamics.

Conditions of Employment

• Able to travel as required (~15-30% time annually), work extended hours in the field (often in remote locations), and, able to hand carry field equipment and collected samples (up to 40 lbs.) across variable terrain.
• Ability to conduct sampling/data collection in the field using shovels, picks, augers, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that allows the ability to access U.S. military/DoD installations.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• The individual who is offered and accepts this position must provide, within 30 working days of his/her start date, a copy of the transcript(s) of the highest degree he/she has acquired, as awarded by an accredited institute as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Due to the current health and safety emergency declaration, anyone hired must receive a complete (and verified) COVID-19 vaccination series or an approved medical or religious waiver request as a term and condition of employment prior to any start date at any Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institution.

Organizational Summary

For more than 60 years, the Desert Research Institute has functioned as the nonprofit, non-degree-granting environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Focused on basic and applied research, the Institute’s unique model blends academia with entrepreneurship to deliver a wide variety of scientific services and research-generated knowledge to its sponsors and clients.

DRI faculty are nontenured and responsible for generating their own salaries and Institute operating revenues through external funding. DRI also receives a portion of its annual operating revenues from the State of Nevada. As an autonomous organization in NSHE, DRI maintains financial and personnel policies and procedures that differ from other NSHE institutions.

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.

Salary / Benefits

Starting salary is commensurate with experience and education. DRI offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 6.2% retirement match, 1.25 annual leave days per month, a beginning balance of 15 sick leave days, 11 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance dependent on division funding.

Application / Review Process

Qualified individuals interested in this position must apply online.

Please upload the following documents in the specified section of your application in Workday:

1. A cover letter detailing your research experience, career goals, and project interests;
2. A current curriculum vitae;
3. Contact information for three professional/work-related references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.

Qualified individuals who meet all qualifications and requirements are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. 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, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7319.