Associate Research Professor, Water Resources Modeling

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If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or [email protected].

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute’s (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. 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, etc. 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. Using endowment funds, 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. Additionally, the successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate with other DRI faculty and outside partners who conduct a broad range of environmental research projects. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who have a long track record of success in publishing manuscripts and recruiting, coaching, and mentoring postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and early career faculty. Candidates who have an existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI are encouraged to apply. This position will be located in Las Vegas, NV, and is eligible for a hybrid/flexible work schedule.

Required Qualifications

• 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

• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (e.g. effective stakeholder engagement, experience building and leading collaborative teams, experience mentoring students and early-career faculty and staff, etc.)

• 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

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 contributing to multiple projects

• Existing externally funded water resources modeling portfolio that can be brought to DRI

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship per sponsor funding requirements

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance is mandatory.

• The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs (as defined in 10 CFR 707.4) as well as satisfactory credit, criminal and background investigations.

• Participation in an ongoing random drug testing program may be required.

• Valid driver’s license required or ability to obtain one by date of hire

• Must be able to travel to remote locations for several days at a time on a regular basis

• Local and regional overnight travel will be required

• Field work to remote locations may be required

• This position will require the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 40 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling.

Compensation/Benefits

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

DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three 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. This position is eligible 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 DHS Executive Director has considerable flexibility in the allocation of funds for various Division functions and initiatives.

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. The Institute is able to draw upon the variety of expertise available within NSHE and to involve faculty and students in collaborative research efforts. Visit http://www.dri.edu and http://www.dri.edu/dhs for more detailed information about our research activities.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent 

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section of the position’s online application at dri.edu/careers:

• A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications meet the hiring criteria and prepare you to succeed as an Associate Research Professor at DRI.

• Current curriculum vita.

• Contact information for three professional references, who may be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission. References must specifically include at least one peer and one subordinate.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made. More detailed information about DRI may be found at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email [email protected] or call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548.

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, “R0153242” in the search box.

Posting Close Date

11/30/2026

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.