Associate Research Professor, Water Resources Modeling

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Las Vegas (NV); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Desert Research Institute invites applications for an Associate Research Professor to lead an externally funded research program focused on hydrologic and hydraulic models of water movement in surface and subsurface systems.

The successful candidate will direct modeling efforts across watershed, two‑dimensional hydrologic models, vadose zone and groundwater systems, and related areas, with strong emphasis on AI/ML, data visualization, and software development.

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.
• Deep experience in at least one water resources modeling approach and familiarity with others.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring experience.
• Track record of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals and success in securing grants.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an externally funded research team focused on hydrologic/hydraulic models for surface and subsurface systems.
• Focus on Southern Nevada water resources research and build a Las Vegas‑based research group.
• Collaborate with DRI faculty and external partners; publish findings and secure grants.
• Mentor postdocs, graduate students, and junior faculty; recruit and manage diverse project teams.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder engagement

Mentoring

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Hydrology/Engineering/Environmental Sciences or related field

Tools

AI/ML

Data visualization

Scientific software development

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.

ExemptYes Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

• 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.

Posting Close Date09/30/2026

Welcome to the Desert Research Institute (DRI), we are excited to see your interest in our research, administrative, and staff positions. This unique entrepreneurial setting enables innovative, and results driven individuals to accomplish world renowned achievements. Since 1959, DRI has stood at the forefront of understanding Earth's complex environmental systems, promoting preservation of diverse ecosystems, advancing responsible natural resource management, and improving human health and welfare throughout Nevada and around the world. Research at DRI calls on the expertise and methods of multiple scientific disciplines. More than 400 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students and staff on two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, are collaboratively focused on understanding and answering critical questions about water quality and availability, air quality, sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, and more. DRI ranks high in research and development expenditures in environmental sciences.

DRI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment free of discrimination without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DRI does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The Institute’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for employment.

Information regarding security, personal safety, fire safety, and crime statistics can be found at DRI's Public and Personal Safety page. NSHE Employees are required to participate in a mandatory retirement plan in lieu of Social Security. As a result, employment at NSHE may impact your Social Security benefits. Additional information is available at SSA 1945. Job postings are specific to the Nevada System of Higher Education.