Geological Research Specialist

INDIANA GEOLOGICAL & WATER SUR (BL-GEOY-IUBLA)

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), founded in 1837, has been a research institute of Indiana University (IU) since 1993. Its mission is to provide geological information that contributes to the wise stewardship of energy, mineral, and water resources and mitigates potential geologic hazards. Indiana residents benefit from focused research initiatives, geologic sample and data collection and archiving, and dissemination of information through the peer-reviewed Indiana Journal of Earth Sciences, databases, and outreach programs. Employees work cooperatively across the IGWS Business, Research, and Information Services Divisions to advance long-term research, collection, and service goals. The Survey consists of 35 to 40 geologists, geological technicians, archivists, a cartographer, a GIS analyst, an image specialist, a web developer, an editor, and an education and outreach coordinator.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment and inclusive workplace. We seek candidates who understand different perspectives and cultures, can actively contribute to the work environment where differences are valued and supported, and are sensitive to cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communication. 

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS), a research institute of Indiana University (IU), seeks applications for a research geologist with expertise in the water-rock-energy continuum. We are particularly interested in a dynamic, cross-trained scientist who will contribute to energy resources and energy byproduct studies with the IGWS's Center for Energy.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Works independently and with a team plan and conduct basic and applied research relating to Indiana's geology and natural resources at regional to site-specific scales. 
• Conducts research on energy storage, characterizing the reservoir, caprock, migration pathways, groundwater, and air quality with a focus on the physical and chemical requirements for unconventional petroleum systems and geothermal, carbon, natural gas, and hydrogen storage.
• Helps manage the survey's paper and digital oil, gas, and coal records.
• Focuses on producing deliverables related to geological research projects.
• Plans and conducts multiple research projects as qualified for by knowledge and experience.
• Provides expertise for staff engaged in research activities and responds to service requests from the general public, government agencies, industry, and academia regarding the geology of Indiana's energy, mineral, and/or water resources.
• Collaborates with scientists in the energy and mineral resources fields nationally and internationally. 
• Cooperates across the IGWS Research and Information Services Divisions to advance long-term research goals.
• Cooperates across the IGWS Research, Information Services, and Business Divisions to advance long-term research and mapping plans and complement the culture of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey.
• Collaborative opportunities exist with other researchers across the IU-Educational System.
• Collaborates on research and grant programs with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, and state agencies in Indiana will comprise an important portion of this position.

General Responsibilities

• Plans and develops research projects, methods, and techniques.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data from maps, well logs, samples, and/or geologic/geophysical field investigations.
• Supervises and performs field and laboratory work using a variety of field and lab equipment.
• Participates in externally and internally funded research projects.
• Analyzes and interprets research findings and presents findings as geologic maps, professional papers, and personal contacts.
• Responds to requests for information from the general public, government agencies, industry, and academia that relate to the geology and related resources of Indiana.
• Reviews published literature pertaining to specific research.
• Coordinates research projects with other state geological surveys and other research groups.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education. 

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree with coursework or research experience in geology

Preferred

• Master's degree with coursework or research experience in geology
• Independent research in an energy resources-related field
• Research experience in reservoir characterization with a multi-disciplinary background.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years experience with geological research

Preferred

• A multi-disciplinary background with research experience research on energy storage, characterizing the reservoir, caprock, migration pathways, groundwater, and air quality with a focus on the physical and chemical requirements for unconventional petroleum systems and geothermal, carbon, natural gas, and hydrogen storage.
• Geologic knowledge of Indiana and the Midwest

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure

This role requires effective communication and operating a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work and periods of time moving around an office environment and campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

(field)

The role regularly requires the ability to communicate effectively. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation. Must be willing to travel both in Indiana and out of state.

Areas of research expertise could include the use of novel tools for geological mapping, monitoring, evaluation through on-site testing, remote sensing, geophysics, and geochemistry; characterization of geologic media in the field and lab using contemporary approaches in petrology, geochemistry, and isotopes; and the use of geospatial data to design and use geodatabases for mapping and analysis on a variety of platforms.

Candidate must be willing to travel both in Indiana and out-of-state. Position includes significant work in the field, must be able to travel over rough terrain.

Indiana University Bloomington

$55,000 - $60,000.00 per year (based upon experience)

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure .

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Geological Sciences & Survey

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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

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