Postdoctoral Researcher, STEM Education

Job Description

  Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute.  We want your  application process to go smoothly and quickly.  We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or [email protected] DescriptionThe Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are accepting applications for a STEM Education Postdoctoral Researcher. This is a shared appointment, with 50% time at DRI’s Division of Earth and Ecosystem Science’s STEM Education Program and 50% time at UNLV’s College of Education. This collaborative position is seeking a candidate to catalyze new and creative research programs that intersect and complement existing expertise in formal and informal STEM education fields.  Responsibilities include developing research tools, seeking external funding, disseminating findings, managing projects, and engaging in outreach events. The role requires collaboration with UNLV and DRI Faculty to examine the impact of STEM education interventions within formal and informal PK-12 education settings. This position will provide leadership and project management for designated initiatives, while also contributing to the advancement of STEM education initiatives through community engagement. Experience conducting mixed methods research using a variety of approaches and a history of successfully securing grant funds are preferred but not required. The incumbent will work in Las Vegas, NV, on both DRI and UNLV’s respective campuses.Organizational SummaryDesert Research InstituteThe 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 (NSHE).UNLVThe University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of approximately 30,000 students and over 3,000 faculty and staff members and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a research university with high research activity. UNLV is among the nation's most diverse campuses for undergraduates, with more than half of its students hailing from racial or ethnic minority groups. UNLV is a Minority-Serving Institution, as it meets the U.S. Department of Education's regulatory definition of an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). UNLV is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). UNLV offers more than 108 undergraduate majors/program and 120 graduate degree programs, including 36 doctoral and professional degrees. The university has recognized programs in engineering, hotel administration, creative writing, nursing, law and dispute resolution, architecture, sciences, medicine, and fine arts. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a part of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).  As such, we have support of the NSHE Board, in addition to the university administration for the research activities described in this application.  The College of Education (COE) has nationally recognized programs in Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences (& Technology), Higher Education, Special Education, Teacher Education, and Curriculum and Instruction. Education faculty also conduct sponsored research with faculty and students in COE as well as faculty in other colleges such as College of Science, College of Engineering, and the Lincy Institute, as well as the Clark County School District, the 5th largest school district in the nation. PIs receive additional administrative support from the COE’s Office of Research and Sponsored Projects.Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in STEM Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, or a related field;
• STEM education research experience;
• Potential to secure external research funding;
• Experience engaging with and/or conducting research within informal or formal education settings;
• Interest implementing or developing a STEM education research project;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals;
• Experience with extramurally funded research (e.g., writing grant proposals, working with or leading a research team)
• Experience developing a mixed methods research project;
• Experience disseminating results with stakeholders (e.g., scholars, policymakers, community partners);
• Demonstrated ability to develop oral/poster presentations and write peer-reviewed papers with limited supervision;
• Experience participating in the development of research proposals;
• Valid driver’s license.

Conditions of Employment

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
• Occasional travel, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required

Promotion Potential and Career ProgressionPostdocs and early career faculty are provided with considerable support and mentoring to give them every opportunity to be successful in a research career. A DRI and UNLV postdoctoral research position has long served as the first step to a successful research career. Postdoctoral researchers hired from this posting may be eligible for promotion to regular faculty (Assistant Research Professor) upon the successful completion of their postdoc, contingent upon funding. To support the postdoc in working towards this goal, DRI and UNLV will provide professional development support for the incumbent to begin developing their own research program. Postdocs are eligible to serve as PIs on research grants, and the incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with colleagues across DRI, UNLV, and other institutions. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to participate in both formal and informal early career mentoring programs provided by DRI/UNLV Human Resources.Compensation and BenefitsEffective 7/1/24, the minimum starting salary for this position is $65,000. DRI/UNLV offer a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, the option to participate in a flexible spending account or health savings account, and a retirement plan that is beyond compare. Postdocs receive a 6.2% retirement contribution match, 15 annual leave days, and a beginning balance of 15 sick leave days. You are 100% vested in the retirement plan on your first day. Additionally, there is no state income tax in Nevada and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. A summary of postdoc benefits can be found HERE.  Additional information can be found at www.dri.edu/careers.Diversity, Equity, and InclusionDRI and UNLV are deeply committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognizes that encouraging a diverse culture strengthens problem solving skills and creativity and increases productivity. Additionally, an inclusive and diverse environment improves the workplace culture and encourages employee engagement. DRI and UNLV also take measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty and staff. Additional information can be found at DRI's Diversity and Inclusion Webpage.ExemptYesFull-Time Equivalent 100.0%Required Attachment(s)Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed at DRI and UNLV and identify your area(s) of research interest.
• A current curriculum vita.
• Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by April 30, 2024 and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATESDRI and UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0141645” in the search box.For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email [email protected] or call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548.The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. DRI employs only U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the United States.Posting Close DateNote to ApplicantApplicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.  References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment.  Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.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.DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.