"Research Scientist - Researcher/Scientist IV"

The Arizona Geological Survey is a nonacademic research department in the University of Arizona tasked with furthering our understanding of the geology, mineral resources, and natural hazards of Arizona. We invite applications for a new Research Scientist to contribute to our geologic mapping and geologic hazards / environmental geology programs. This is an exciting opportunity for a field-oriented geomorphologist / Quaternary geologist interested in conducting geologic mapping and research in geologic hazards. The successful candidate will have a strong background in mapping surficial geology, with supporting interests in geomorphology, geologic hazards, soils, or sedimentology.

The new Research Scientist will lead and conduct surficial geologic mapping as a member of the AZGS geologic mapping group, primarily funded by the AZGS and the USGS through the STATEMAP program. Typically, our mapping projects involve teams of geologists with different areas of expertise who work together to complete the map or maps. Geologists generally conduct fieldwork during Arizona's long field season (October to May) with the summer months focused on map compilation, report writing, and sample analysis.

The new Research Scientist will coordinate surficial geologic mapping activities and assist with annual proposal development for the STATEMAP program. The Research Scientist will also have opportunities to help develop, lead, and manage research projects related to Quaternary geology and/or geologic hazards.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key technical skills for a successful candidate include the ability to conduct surficial geologic mapping (including stratigraphic and geomorphic analysis), interpret diverse datasets (e.g., aerial imagery, LiDAR data, borehole or well data, soil development, deposit dating, geochemistry, etc.), and analyze landscapes and synthesize mapping information in a GIS environment. The successful candidate should be comfortable using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro).

The successful candidate will be able to conduct independent fieldwork, will have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work collaboratively on a team, will have experience conducting complex projects and communicating their science effectively with other researchers, public and private stakeholders, and members of the public. All AZGS research scientists participate in field investigations, develop and write proposals, and conduct office-based data compilations that will lead to the production of high-quality maps, datasets, reports, scientific papers, and presentations.

Primary responsibilities and desired skills include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct solo and team surficial geologic mapping as part of the STATEMAP program, sometimes in remote locations.
• Contribute to all stages of the geologic mapping lifecycle, including planning, fieldwork, analysis, GIS compilation, and publication of maps and their associated reports.
• Collaborate with other senior team members to develop yearly proposals for the STATEMAP program
• Collaborate with other staff members team to develop, conduct, lead, and manage geologic hazards investigations, such as earth-fissure or landslide mapping, post-wildfire debris-flow research, and seismic or other hazards, participating in all stages of projects from planning through publication.
• Communicate with staff of varying technical knowledge and with non-scientific stakeholders.
• Effectively write AZGS reports to accompany maps and summarize research results.
• Author peer-reviewed scientific papers and publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD and a minimum of 8 years experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license upon hire and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting independent surficial geologic mapping in the western U.S.
• Experience conducting geologic hazards research and investigations.
• Experience managing complex projects.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 10

Career Stream and Level: PC4

Job Family: Researchers & Scientists

Job Function: Research