Research Scientist, Geologic Mapping

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or [email protected] . For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778. 

Job Description

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) at the University of Nevada, Reno, seeks applicants for a research faculty position focused on geologic mapping and field-oriented research in Nevada. The position will be a non-tenure-track faculty appointment with a 12-month (A-contract) salary. NBMG is seeking candidates with a foundation in field based geologic data collection and analysis to contribute to the NBMG geologic mapping program. Primary responsibilities include geologic mapping, field work, interpretation of geologic data, and publication of results. The position is principally focused on the production of geologic map products, primarily at 1:24,000 scale, with support from the USGS STATEMAP and EarthMRI programs.

The position also involves participation in fundamental geologic research topics and applied projects related to evaluation of natural resources (e.g., mineral, geothermal, oil-gas) and/or geologic hazards (e.g., earthquakes, floods, and landslides).  The ideal candidate will work closely with the Cartography / Geographic Information System (GIS) staff within NBMG.  Additional duties include project management of grants and contracts, as well as identifying new research ideas and assisting in writing proposals for funding.  The successful candidate must work independently, show creativity, and be assertive in the development, application, and evaluation of geologic mapping projects, as well as publication of geologic maps and related reports. The position is based on the UNR campus in Reno, Nevada and is contingent upon funding, typically from annual federal grants. The position reports to the Geologic Mapping Program Manager.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree OR Doctoral degree in geology or a related geoscience field.

In addition, a demonstrated record of field research and/or industry investigations on topics related to: structural geology, economic geology, and/or Quaternary geology, and may include experience with sedimentology, tectonics, or volcanology.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with academic, government, or industry experience in field-oriented research.  Expertise in geologic mapping, sedimentologic analyses, structural analyses (e.g. fault kinematics), geochronology, and/or paleomagnetism will be valued.  Familiarity with ArcGIS software in the preparation of geologic map publications and compilation of geologic datasets is preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. A demonstrated record of project and budget management.

Schedule or Travel Requirements

Periodic travel for field work.

Variable work schedule.

Compensation Grade

Research Scientist 

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules , Academic Faculty (12-month contract) Rank 0(I). Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Remarkable Retirement

Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 17.5% contribution is generously matched by the University.   With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow!  All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada. 

“I had no idea the values of the faculty retirement plan when I joined UNR. On my first day, I found out I was fully vested in my contributions and the company’s 17.5% matching. I have watched my retirement grow over the years, not only in contributions, but with investments.  It is hard to put into words how appreciative I am to feel so secure in my future” – Michelle B.

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance

• Generous annual and sick leave and life insurance – Faculty Benefits

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders

• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.

• Several Diversity Committees and Affinity Groups focusing on campus-wide diversity initiatives to ensure we are working to create a diverse and welcoming campus climate. Diversity Groups

• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate

• No state income tax!

Grants-in-aid for Faculty Employees

The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits, but in order to be eligible children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee’s spouse or domestic partner.  Faculty Grants-in-Aid

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples’ professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Contact Information

Beth Jacobsen at 775-682-8787 or [email protected]

Exempt

Full-Time Equivalent

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at [email protected] .

Please attach the following documents to your application:

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter addressing your interest, qualifications, and experience relevant to this position

3) Example of a relevant product you have produced related to a geologic field investigation; a relevant product could be a geologic map, thesis, peer reviewed publication, or technical report.

4) Contact Information for Three Professional References

5) Please write a brief statement (one page maximum) about how you would contribute toward our mission of creating a culturally inclusive environment in the role for which you are applying

Full Consideration

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately with an initial review of applications starting January 3, 2024.

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

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.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). 

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 75 countries.

The University is classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 university: A doctoral university with very high research activity. In 2020, the University was also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best Global Universities”, and it ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Since 2009, the University has invested more than $850 million in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls. It is home to Nevada’s first medical school — the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine — and delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The University’s main campus is in Reno, Nevada — a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant Midtown and downtown. Located where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra, the University’s beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. In recent years, the University has added two additional locations: the Redfield campus in south Reno and the Wayne L. Prim campus in Incline Village, the home of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. 

The University is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, which is comprised of two research universities, one state college, four community colleges and an environmental research institute, and is committed to developing strong partnerships with each institution for the benefit of all Nevadans.

Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that’s transforming Nevada’s communities and businesses, the University continues its nearly 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students’ cognitive growth and academic achievement — all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

 For more information, please visit www.unr.edu

University of Nevada, Reno