Associate Research Professor – Water Resources Modeling

DRI’s Division of Hydrologic Sciences is seeking a qualified individual to join an interdisciplinary research organization at the forefront of advancing hydrologic science in arid environments. This individual will establish and lead an externally-funded research team focused on developing and applying hydrologic and hydraulic models representing water movement in surface and subsurface systems.

About the role

The successful candidate will have deep expertise in one or more water resources modeling approaches accompanied by a broad range of skills in others. Modeling approaches include, but are not limited to:

• Watershed modeling from local to regional scales
• Two-dimensional hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
• Land surface process modeling
• Vadose zone and groundwater modeling
• Snow hydrology modeling
• Water supply modeling
• Post-wildfire hydrologic modeling
• Flash flood modeling
• Probabilistic modeling

Candidates with skills in AI/ML, data visualization, and scientific software development are strongly encouraged to apply. This position will initially focus on Southern Nevada water resources research and be supported in part by the Sulo and Aileen Maki Endowment. The successful candidate will be expected to build a strong research team based in Las Vegas that will eventually be sustained by external grants and contracts. The candidate will also be encouraged to collaborate with other DRI faculty and outside partners conducting a broad range of environmental research projects.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates with a long track record of success in publishing manuscripts and recruiting, coaching, and mentoring postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and early career faculty. Candidates with an existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI are encouraged to apply.

This position is located in Las Vegas, NV, and is eligible for a hybrid/flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an externally-funded research team focused on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
• Develop and apply models representing water movement in surface and subsurface systems
• Build and sustain a research team using endowment funds and external grants
• Collaborate with DRI faculty and external partners on environmental research projects
• Publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and produce collaborative technical project reports
• Write competitive research grants and manage grants/contracts
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and early career faculty
• Travel to remote locations for field work and overnight travel as required

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Hydrology, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience closely related to the duties of this position
• Demonstrated in-depth experience in at least one water resources modeling approach and general familiarity with others
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (e.g., effective stakeholder engagement, experience building and leading collaborative teams, mentoring students and early-career faculty and staff)
• Track record of producing collaborative technical project reports and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated success writing competitive research grants and managing grants/contracts
• U.S. citizenship per sponsor funding requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
• Pass a mandatory test for the absence of illegal drugs and satisfactory credit, criminal, and background investigations
• Participation in an ongoing random drug testing program may be required
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by date of hire
• Ability to travel to remote locations for several days at a time on a regular basis
• Ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 40 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure as a Professional Engineer, Professional Hydrologist, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading applied science projects
• Experience with AI/ML, data visualization, and/or scientific software development
• Demonstrated ability to align multiple contributors, timelines, and deliverables around a shared team vision
• Demonstrated ability to lead a complex program consisting of multidisciplinary team members of varying experience levels
• Existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI

Pay

The minimum annual starting salary is $122,293 and will be competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and alignment with similar public academic research institutions.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 19.25% retirement match
• 24 annual leave days
• Beginning balance of 30 sick leave days
• 12 paid holidays
• Educational benefits
• Choice of three health insurance plans, supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts
• No state income tax and no social security deduction
• Eligibility for relocation assistance

About 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 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. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

About the Division of Hydrologic Sciences

The mission of the DHS within DRI is to improve society’s fundamental knowledge and understanding of hydrologic systems and to encourage more effective and efficient management of water resources. DHS has approximately 185 faculty and support staff, graduate research assistants, and hourly employees. More than two-thirds of DRI personnel are located at the Northern Nevada Science Center (NNSC) in Reno, with the remainder at the Southern Nevada Science Center (SNSC) in Las Vegas. DHS conducts more than $14.3 million of research annually, with an administrative operating budget of $2.2 million.

The scientific areas currently encompassed by the Division include both basic and applied science and reflect issues and concerns common to regions around the world, including developing nations. Consequently, the scope and relevance of this research extends well beyond the borders of Nevada and the nation. In addition to their research, some DHS faculty hold faculty status in water resource-related academic programs at UNR and UNLV, where they teach undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as advise M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students.