(Nursing Scientist) Assistant / Associate Professor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Reno (NV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno seeks an inaugural embedded Nurse Scientist to build a robust academic-practice research program with Renown Health. You will collaborate with frontline nurses, educators, and leaders to translate findings into clinical protocols and organizational improvements.

This open-rank faculty role emphasizes scholarly productivity, external funding, and capacity building across clinical and academic settings, with guidance from the Chief

Qualifications

• Earned research doctorate in nursing or related discipline.
• Baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing.
• RN licensure in Nevada eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Build the nursing research enterprise across the partnership.
• Develop a strategic agenda for nursing research.
• Create infrastructure for nurse-initiated research, including data access and grant support.
• Lead nursing research councils and strategic initiatives.
• Translate research into clinical protocols and care delivery improvements.
• Mentor nurses, students, faculty, and emerging investigators.
• Pursue extramural funding from federal, foundation, industry sources.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in nursing or related

BSN or MSN/DNP

Job description

Job Description

The Orvis School of Nursing at the Carnegie R1-designated University of Nevada, Reno seeks an inaugural embedded Nurse Scientist within its academic-practice partnership with Renown Health. The Nurse Scientist will work alongside clinical nurses, nursing leaders, and interprofessional teams to generate new knowledge, investigate the impact of nursing care, and advance nursing science. This is a role for a builder. The successful candidate will develop the relationships, infrastructure, and culture that make nursing inquiry integral to clinical practice and organizational decision-making, while advancing an independent program of scholarship. We welcome candidates across career stages who demonstrate a clear scholarly focus, strong methodological preparation, and the capacity to develop a funded program of research. The successful candidate will bring the vision and collaborative approach needed to build a new program, whether developing an emerging research portfolio or bringing an established body of scholarship to this opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Build the nursing research enterprise
• Develop and implement a strategic agenda for nursing research across the partnership.
• Build sustainable infrastructure for nurse-initiated research, including consultation, project development, data access, and grant support.
• Contribute leadership to nursing research councils, committees, and strategic initiatives.
• Advance nursing science and outcomes research
• Develop and sustain a focused program of research aligned with your outcomes-focused area of expertise.
• Translate findings into clinical protocols, care models, policies, and delivery improvements.
• Partner with nurses and clinical leaders
• Collaborate with frontline nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, educators, nursing leaders, and quality teams to develop clinically relevant research questions.
• Serve as a trusted methodological partner, designing rigorous evaluations of nursing interventions, workforce programs, and quality initiatives.
• Develop capacity and external funding
• Mentor nurses, students, faculty, clinicians, and emerging investigators, and build collaborative research teams across clinical, academic, and community settings.
• Pursue extramural funding from federal, foundation, industry, and other sources appropriate to your career stage.

Appointment and Support

This is an open-rank faculty position with two pathways. Rank, pathway, and workload are determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, scholarly trajectory, and career goals. Tenure-track. Develop or maintain an active program of research and scholarship while contributing to the teaching, mentoring, and service missions of the school. Expectations align with rank and career stage. Research-focused non-tenure-track. Contribute primarily through research, scholarship, capacity building, and service to the partnership. Teaching responsibilities, if any, are determined by mutual agreement and organizational need. Consideration for an endowed professorship may be available for an appropriately qualified candidate. The Nurse Scientist works in close partnership with the Chief Nurse Executive and nursing leaders across Renown Health, serves as a leader within the school's Center for Nursing Outcomes Research and Office of Research and Scholarly Impact, and has direct access to clinical leaders, frontline nurses, quality and safety teams, and research opportunities across diverse healthcare settings.

Required Qualifications

• Earned research doctorate (PhD, DNSc, ScD or equivalent) in nursing or a related discipline
• Baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing
• Eligibility for Registered Nurse licensure in Nevada.
• Evidence of an established and focused area of scholarly inquiry focusing on nursing outcomes, or a clearly articulated emerging program of research focusing on nursing outcomes.
• Strong preparation in quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, implementation science, outcomes research, or related methodologies.
• Evidence of scholarly potential or productivity appropriate to career stage, such as peer-reviewed publications, presentations, research participation, pilot funding, or funded projects.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across academic and clinical environments.
• Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in building nursing research programs, partnerships, or capacity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral fellowship or comparable advanced research experience.
• Clinically-focused graduate degree in nursing (MSN or DNP)
• Five or more years of clinical nursing practice as a licensed registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse.
• Experience conducting research within an academic health system, integrated health system, academic-practice partnership, or large healthcare organization.
• Experience partnering with clinical nurses and nursing leaders on research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or program evaluation.
• Experience evaluating nursing-sensitive, patient, workforce, quality, safety, or organizational outcomes.
• Evidence of success or potential to compete for federal, foundation, industry, or other extramural funding.
• Leadership experience in nursing research, clinical scholarship, or program development.
• Faculty experience within a research-intensive university.

Compensation

Grade Assistant / Associate ProfessorTo view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select Academic Faculty. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Total Compensation

The total compensation package includes a competitive salary, moving allowance (if applicable), a rich retirement plan, sick leave, health insurance options that include dental and vision, life insurance, long term disability along with many other benefits. Additionally, there is a grant-in-aid educational benefit for faculty and dependents.

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.

Exempt Status and Workload

ExemptYes
Full-Time Equivalent 100.0%

About the Opportunity

This position is a cornerstone of the Orvis School of Nursing's commitment to advancing nursing science, improving patient outcomes, and demonstrating the measurable impact of nursing care. As a leader within the Center for Nursing Outcomes Research and the Office of Research and Scholarly Impact, the Nurse Scientist will develop a nationally recognized program of scholarship while building the capacity of nurses across the health system to engage in research, evaluate outcomes, and contribute to the generation of new nursing knowledge. The successful candidate will be both a productive nurse scientist and a catalyst for nursing inquiry across the healthcare system, supporting the generation of new knowledge within their own area of expertise while helping nurses and nurse leaders evaluate the effectiveness and impact of nursing care across diverse clinical settings. Faculty rank and appointment structure will be determined based on qualifications and experience, including consideration for an endowed professorship where appropriate.

University Overview

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading 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 more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries. Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It is also ranked in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.” Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University 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 main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University’s physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as “University Village,” to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty. Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google’s TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada – led by the University of Nevada, Reno – was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada’s Tech Hub will strengthen America’s lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state. 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 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 the University’s website.

University of Nevada, Reno The University of Nevada, Reno is the state of Nevada’s leading public research university. Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s original land-grant university, the University serves more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries. Classified by the Carnegie® Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (“Very High Research”) university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie® Community Engagement classification. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the “Best National Universities” and “Best National Public Universities.” It also ranks in the top tier of the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times’ “Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.” Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been invested in advanced labs, facilities and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada’s first medical school – the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada, where education, research and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University 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, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and Wolf Pack Athletics. The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a growing technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Founded where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the University’s beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada state arboretum. The University’s physical infrastructure continues to expand, with the opening of the John Tulloch Business Building as well as the completion of a new state public health laboratory with groundbreaking for a life sciences building scheduled for 2027. The University has also invested in affordable housing for faculty and staff with its University Village, a series of fully renovated housing parcels located near campus. Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple and Microsoft, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with a new devices and accessories. 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 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world. Just one example is how the University is leading the way in the nation’s effort to develop new, clean energy sources that will power the country’s future through its selection as one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs) through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. Nevada’s Tech Hub strengthens America’s lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state. The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students and 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 the University’s website.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Statement

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).

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).

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).

Application Information

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.

Additional Information

We encourage interested candidates to consult the university’s policies and procedures for more detailed information on diversity, inclusion, and employment practices.