Staff Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher, Urban Climate Adaptation And Landscape Architecture

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.

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If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute's (DRI) Division of Atmospheric Sciences and the California Nevada Adaptation Program's Southern Nevada heat Resilience Lab (SNHRL) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher or a Staff Research Scientist Urban Climate Adaptation and Landscape Architecture to support and grow the SNHRL program. This position will be based at the Las Vegas campus and will support the SNHRL in achieving program goals related to research development, data collection and analysis, community engagement, policy, and depending on the hiring level, grant writing or grant writing assistance to support heat resilient communities across Southern Nevada.

The SNHRL is a rapidly evolving and emerging community of practice, and this role will support the co-creation of heat resilience by regional decision makers and our most heat-impacted residents. This program is a regionally focused social learning space developed around a community of practice on extreme heat management and health that brings together public service providers (social services, urban planners, emergency responders, etc.) who understand the needs of their communities and are active in implementation decisions with researchers, and experts who can bring new data, modeling, and design options in an iterative process of mutual learning. It builds on the "urban lab" approach, which brings together urban planners and community organizations with researchers who assist in designing potential solutions.

This position will support the development of an assessment of urban forest prioritization of areas for expanded urban canopy, urban forestry within a portfolio of heat management strategies being deployed in Nevada, and evaluation of impacts on neighborhoods, community well-being, and urban scale resilience. Urban forest impacts will be assessed including regional water constraints, environmental justice and expanding tree equity, and projections of a hotter and drier region subject to increased frequency and severity of extreme heat events.

The Climate Center Group at DRI is an interdisciplinary team of researchers that focus on climate adaptation, climate resiliency, and providing climate data. The group works with diverse federal, state, local and Tribal entitles, as well as community-based organizations across the western United States.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree (for Staff Research Scientist level) or Ph.D. (for Postdoctoral Researcher level) from an accredited institution preferably in landscape architecture, land use planning, natural resource planning, sustainability, environmental sciences, or geography

• Experience with research design and execution, data collection and analysis

• Experience collaborating or working with communities, public agency personnel, or community-based organizations

• Experience with urban forestry, urban planning, or landscape design related to climate adaptation strategies

For Postdoctoral Researcher level (including the above qualifications):

• Experience in proposal writing and development

• Experience with policy development and analysis, decision support research and activities, and community engagement strategies

Preferred Qualifications (optional):

• Research experience in climate resilience and adaptation fields

• Knowledge of heat impacts in Southern Nevada

• Ability to attend off-site meetings and events as needed

• Bilingual preferred (Spanish or Tagalog

Conditions of employment:

• Valid driver's license

• The successful candidate must live in the Las Vegas, NV area or be able to relocate to the area within 3-6 months of accepting the position. Work will be performed primarily on the Las Vegas campus, with opportunities for remote and offsite location work.

Compensation and Benefits for Postdoctoral Researcher:

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. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of postdoc benefits can be found HERE. Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers.

Compensation and Benefits for Staff Research Scientist:

The minimum annual starting salary is $60,206 and is competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and aligns with similar public academic research institutions. DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance;

including 17.5% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of two health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction.

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.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following document in the specified section:

• A current curriculum vita

• Cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI

• Contact information for three professional references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately to receive full consideration. This posting will remain open until the position is filled, but hiring may occur at any time. Recruitment will close without notice when 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, "R0142578" in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI, DRI faculty, and research projects and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email hrstaff@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548.

Posting Close Date

09/30/2024

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.