Job Details

Postdoctoral Researcher

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI) Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to an interdisciplinary experimental research program focused on aerosol light scattering, dust entrainment and transport processes into the atmosphere, and the microphysical and chemical characterization of dust aerosol particles. The successful candidate will be involved in both the execution and coordination of laboratory and field experiments, data analysis, and collaborative research efforts. The postdoc will have the opportunity to develop his/her own research while collaborating with other participants and coordinating the experimental work. The research activities associated with this position will build the knowledge base related to aerosol light scattering, optics, and physical and chemical characterizations. The successful candidate will collaborate broadly with DRI, University of Wyoming (UW), and University of Oklahoma (OU) faculty. Depending on performance, candidates hired as Postdoc may have an opportunity for direct promotion to Assistant Research Professor. This position is located at DRI's Northern Nevada Science Center in Reno, NV.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, optics, engineering, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experimental expertise in the use of lasers and optical systems and aerosol characterization.
• Exhibited ability to work collaboratively with others in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in atmospheric chemistry and minerology.
• Experience in initiating, planning, and obtaining funding.
• Technical skills in X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
• Experience with student supervision and mentoring.

Conditions of Employment

• Able to travel as required, 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 various aerosol sampling equipment.

Salary/Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary for the Postdoctoral Researcher is $65,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience and education. 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. Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers. This position may be eligible for relocation assistance dependent on division funding.

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.

Promotion Potential and Career Progression

Postdocs and early career faculty are provided with considerable support and mentoring to give them every opportunity to be successful in a research career. Incumbents will have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal early career mentoring programs provided by DRI Human Resources.

DRI postdoctoral research positions have long served as the first step to a successful research career at DRI and at other institutions. 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, DAS will provide professional development 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. 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.