Lead Scientist, Soil Moisture & Land-Atmosphere Dynamics

Desert Research Institute; Reno (NV); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, NV seeks an accomplished researcher to lead an externally funded program studying soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and land–atmosphere energy exchange across the arid West. The role emphasizes field measurements, network operation, and data integration with remotely sensed products.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. with 7+ years of related experience, a track record of published work, and success in securing grants.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience closely related to the duties of this position.
• Demonstrated in-depth experience in at least one approach to soil moisture measurement or modeling, groundwater recharge, or micrometeorological techniques.
• Experience designing, operating, or maintaining environmental monitoring networks.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead an externally funded research program focused on field measurement, network operation, and quantitative analysis of soil moisture, ET, and land–atmosphere energy exchange in Nevada and the arid West.
• Collaborate with DRI faculty and external partners on diverse environmental research projects.
• Develop and maintain environmental monitoring networks and data pipelines for automated processing and QA/QC.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and secure competitive grants to support the program.
• Mentor graduate students and early‑career staff and guide multidisciplinary teams across multiple projects.

Skills

soil physics

vadose zone hydrology

micrometeorology

environmental monitoring networks

Education

Ph.D. in Hydrology / Hydrogeology / Soil Science / Earth Science / Environmental Science

Tools

Data pipeline development

Job description

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno, NV seeks an accomplished researcher to lead an externally funded program studying soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and land–atmosphere energy exchange across the arid West. The role emphasizes field measurements, network operation, and data integration with remotely sensed products.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. with 7+ years of related experience, a track record of published work, and success in securing grants.