Research Scientist, Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Reno (NV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

No state income tax

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Nevada, Reno in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering seeks a Research Scientist (Academic Rank I) with an anticipated start date of Sept 15, 2026. The role focuses on leading design, assembly, and operation of full-scale testing equipment for diverse research applications.

The incumbent will direct an applied research project to achieve milestones, manage budgets and communications, and produce proposals, SOPs, and technical reports while interpreting data and

Qualifications

• MS in a relevant engineering field is required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate design, assembly, and operation of full-scale testing equipment for various research applications.
• Direct operations of an applied research project to meet sponsor milestones and impact.
• Manage project timelines, finances, and communications with internal/external partners.
• Write proposals, SOPs, technical reports, and other documents aligned with research goals.
• Interpret and refine experimental data.
• Communicate project outputs with stakeholders (e.g., conferences).

Skills

MS in structural/geotechnical/mechanic

Education

MS in structural, geotechnical, mechanical, materials engineering or related field

Job description

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) – Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering – Research Scientist (Academic Rank I).

Start Date

Anticipated start date: September 15, 2026.

Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate the design, assembly, and operation of full‑scale testing equipment for various research applications.
• Direct operations of an applied research project to ensure scientific milestones and impact are achieved in accordance with sponsor expectations.
• Manage project timelines, finances, and correspondence with internal/external partners.
• Write project proposals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical reports, and other documents associated with specific research goals.
• Interpret and refine experimental data.
• Communicate project outputs with various stakeholders (e.g., conference presentations).

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in structural, geotechnical, mechanical, materials engineering or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a research laboratory or similar setting (e.g., instrumentation, electronics, sensors, data acquisition, and/or signal processing).
• Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups of students, researchers, industry representatives, and faculty.
• Strong organizational skills including task and critical‑path management.

Compensation & Benefits

• Grade: University Instructor (Research Scientist) – Salary schedule: Academic Engineering Faculty (12‑month,RankI). Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.
• Remarkable Retirement! Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested on your first day. 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.
• Health insurance options including dental and vision.
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.
• Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University.
• 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.
• 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.

EEO/DEI 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).

NSHE 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).

Contact

Contact Information Dr. Brad Wham at [e-mail]

Additional Information

• Full‑time equivalent: 100.0%
• Exempt: Yes
• 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.