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 scientist with expertise in the energy-rock-water continuum. We are seeking a dynamic, cross-trained scientist who will lead and advance energy resources and energy byproduct studies within the IGWS Center for Energy.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Independently and with an energy team, plan, conduct, manage, and lead fundamental and applied research on Indiana's 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
• 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
• Participates in externally and internally funded research projects
• Analyzes and interprets research findings and presents findings as geologic maps, professional papers, and personal contacts
• Reviews published literature pertaining to specific research
• Coordinates research projects with other state geological surveys and other research groups
• Plans and develops geological research project(s), associated research methods and techniques, conducts original investigations, and performs independent research supporting specific project(s)
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data from maps, well logs, samples, and/or geologic/geophysical field investigations
• Develops innovative and creative research techniques
• Supervises and performs field and laboratory work using a variety of field and lab equipment
• Analyzes, interprets, and oversees the proper collection and management of research data; develops and maintains databases relating to geological project(s)
• Responds to requests for information from the public, government agencies, industry, and academia that relate to the geology and related resources of Indiana
• Coordinates and facilitates research projects with other state geological surveys and other research groups as needed
• Supervises and performs laboratory work using a variety of lab equipment, such as microscopic examinations and sedimentological, geochemical, geophysical, and Petro- and Hydro physical tests
• Presents and/or publishes research findings in collaboration with other researchers; performs technical reviews of manuscripts destined to become publications
• Responsible for seeking and obtaining outside funding for geological research project(s)

General Responsibilities

• Plans and develops geological research project(s), as well as associated research methods and techniques; conducts original investigations and performs independent research in support of specific project(s).
• Develops innovative and creative research techniques.
• Analyzes, interprets, and oversees the proper collection and management of research data; develops and maintains databases relating to geologic project(s).
• Responds to requests for information from the general public, government agencies, industry, and academia which relate to the geology and related resources of Indiana.
• Coordinates and facilitates research projects with other state geological surveys and other research groups as needed.
• May supervise and perform laboratory work using a variety of lab equipment, such as microscopic examinations and sedimentological, geochemical, geophysical, and petro- and hydro-physical tests.
• May participate in presenting and/or publishing research findings in collaboration with other researchers; may perform technical reviews of manuscripts destined to become publications.
• May have responsibility for seeking and obtaining outside funding for geological research project(s).
• May serve on various geological committees as appropriate.

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

• Master's degree in Geology with coursework in related specialty

Preferred

• Ph.D. in Geology with coursework in related specialty
• Independent post-doctoral research in an energy-related field
• Research experience in reservoir characterization with a multi-disciplinary background
• Geological knowledge of Indiana and the Midwest is desired

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 3 years related experience

Preferred

• Established record of research and publication
• Ability to effectively communicate and exchange information, including with academic, government, and public audiences through conferences, public meetings, field trips, and in peer-reviewed publications and maps
• Fluent with organizing and synthesizing data
• Ability to supervise support staff through a project management system
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
• Working knowledge of the methods and tools used in energy and mineral resource assessments
• Ability to combine field and laboratory techniques to characterize the properties of earth materials, and to use geospatial tools to collect, map, and communicate the extent and character of these resources in Indiana and beyond

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
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents

Preferred

• Excellent communication skills, who are fluent in organizing and synthesizing data, and who can supervise support staff through a project management system
• Outstanding interpersonal skills in the office and the field and involves communicating information to academic, government, and public audiences through conferences, public meetings, field trips, and peer-reviewed publications and maps
• Working knowledge of the methods and tools used in energy resource assessments and geologic mapping
• Ability to combine field and laboratory techniques to characterize the properties of earth materials, and to use geospatial tools to collect, map, and communicate the extent and character of these resources in Indiana and beyond

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

$60,000 - $72,500

Posting is for a 100% soft-money position on a 5-year Department of Energy award.

The position has the potential to become permanently funded.  

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: Advanced

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.

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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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