Research Scientist- Researcher/Scientist III

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Job description

Posting Number: req23708

Department: Arizona Geological Survey

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Arizona Geological Survey is a nonacademic research department in the University of Arizona tasked with furthering our understanding of the geology, mineral resources, and natural hazards of Arizona. We invite applications for a new Research Scientist to contribute to our environmental and geologic hazards team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a field-oriented geomorphologist/Quaternary geologist interested in contributing to geologic hazards and Quaternary geology research. The successful candidate will have a background in geomorphology, geologic hazards, sedimentary geology, soil characterization, and/or neotectonics.

The new Research Scientist will contribute to a variety of geological hazards research projects and may conduct surficial geologic mapping as a member of the AZGS geologic mapping team. Current geological hazards research projects address a range of hazards including seismic, earth fissures, landslides, and post-wildfire debris flows. The new Research Scientist will also have opportunities to help develop, lead, and manage projects related to geologic hazards and/or Quaternary geology in their area of expertise.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key technical skills for a successful candidate include the ability to conduct surficial geologic mapping (including stratigraphic and geomorphic analysis), interpret diverse datasets (e.g., aerial imagery, LiDAR data, borehole or well data, soil development, deposit dating, geochemistry, etc.), analyze landscapes, and synthesize mapping information in a GIS environment. The successful candidate should be comfortable using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro). Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB) is advantageous but not required. An FAA unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pilots license and experience flying UAVs is also advantageous but not required.

The successful candidate will be able to conduct independent fieldwork, will have strong interpersonal skills and can work collaboratively on a team, will have experience conducting geological hazards research and/or mapping projects, and will have experience communicating their science effectively with other researchers, public and private stakeholders, and members of the public. All AZGS research scientists participate in field investigations, develop and write proposals, and conduct office-based data compilations that will lead to the production of high-quality reports and maps, datasets, scientific papers, and presentations.

Primary responsibilities and
desired skills include, but are not limited to:

  • Collaborate with other staff members team to develop, conduct, lead, and manage geologic hazards investigations, such as earth-fissure or landslide mapping, post-wildfire debris-flow research, and seismic or other hazards, participating in all stages of projects from planning through publication.
  • Contribute to all stages of the research lifecycle, including planning, fieldwork, analysis, GIS compilation, and publication of reports and/or maps.
  • Conduct solo and team geological hazards investigations and/or surficial geologic mapping, sometimes in remote locations.
  • Communicate with staff of varying technical knowledge and with non-scientific stakeholders.
  • Effectively write AZGS reports to summarize research results and to accompany maps.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Author peer-reviewed scientific papers and publications.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related field and minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license upon hire and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Geology or related field AND minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
  • Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB).
  • Experience conducting geologic hazards investigations.
  • FAA UAV pilot license and experience flying UAVs is advantageous but not required.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes – Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $59,404 – $74,254

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

8

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

PC3

Job Family

Researchers & Scientists

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

For additional questions, please contact Randi Bellassai
[email protected].

Open Until Filled: Yes

How to apply

Apply now

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [email protected].

The University of Arizona is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

As a public research university serving the diverse citizens of Arizona and beyond, the mission of the University of Arizona is to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that engages our students in discovery through research and broad-based scholarship. We aim to empower our graduates to be leaders in solving complex societal problems. Whether in teaching, research, outreach or student engagement, access and quality are the defining attributes of the University of Arizona’s mission.