Postdoctoral Researcher, Spatial Machine Learning

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI's) Division of Hydrologic Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in the general area of machine learning for spatial data analysis and uncertainty estimation. The successful candidate will immediately contribute their expertise to research on quantifying the spatial distribution of snow properties from point, airborne and satellite-based sensors. The successful candidate must have specialized skills in application of machine learning and statistical techniques to integration of spatial data obtained with different spatial support (e.g. point data with imagery) and uncertainty quantification to address environmental or earth science problems. Candidates that have experience in analyzing data collected in field campaigns are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a growing range of programs at DRI focused on understanding and quantifying hydrologic systems and human impacts on those systems in the western US.  This position can be located in either Reno, or Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution, with a focus on applying machine learning and statistical techniques to characterize and model environmental processes. Degrees in engineering, science, applied mathematics, statistics, computer science or other related fields
• Experience with analysis of spatial data using geostatistical, machine learning and/or Bayesian techniques
• Experience with machine learning techniques for classification, regression and probability density function estimation
• Experience expressing algorithms and workflows in Python
• Experience with analysis of field data in environmental and/or earth science research projects
• Ability to work independently to fulfill project goals and meet project deadlines;
• Effective verbal and written skills
• Effective interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively in small teams and work collegially in a group setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data collection in snow covered environments
• Experience with other supporting software: R, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine
• Ability to translate research techniques from other fields to applications in snow science
• Demonstrated ability to develop oral/poster presentations and write peer-reviewed papers with limited supervision
• Experience in the development of research proposals

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. A DRI postdoctoral research position has 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, the DRI division the postdoc is hired under may 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 successfully demonstrates the ability to develop and sustain their own funding. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal early career mentoring programs provided by DRI Human Resources. 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 UNR and UNLV. 

Salary / Benefits

The minimum starting salary for this position is $65,000. 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, 12 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.

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.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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.

Qualified individuals interested in this position must apply online. Please upload the following documents in the specified section of your application in Workday:

• A cover letter detailing your research experience and professional qualifications
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional 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.

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, “R0144988” in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI, 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.