Research Scientist- Researcher/Scientist III

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 environmental and geologic hazards team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a field-oriented geomorphologist/Quaternary geologist interested in contributing to geologic hazards and Quaternary geology research. The successful candidate will have a background in geomorphology, geologic hazards, sedimentary geology, soil characterization, and/or neotectonics.

The new Research Scientist will contribute to a variety of geological hazards research projects and may conduct surficial geologic mapping as a member of the AZGS geologic mapping team. Current geological hazards research projects address a range of hazards including seismic, earth fissures, landslides, and post-wildfire debris flows. The new Research Scientist will also have opportunities to help develop, lead, and manage projects related to geologic hazards and/or Quaternary geology in their area of expertise.

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!

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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.), analyze landscapes, and synthesize mapping information in a GIS environment. The successful candidate should be comfortable using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro). Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB) is advantageous but not required. An FAA unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pilots license and experience flying UAVs is also advantageous but not required.

The successful candidate will be able to conduct independent fieldwork, will have strong interpersonal skills and can work collaboratively on a team, will have experience conducting geological hazards research and/or mapping projects, and will have experience 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 reports and maps, datasets, scientific papers, and presentations.

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

• 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.
• Contribute to all stages of the research lifecycle, including planning, fieldwork, analysis, GIS compilation, and publication of reports and/or maps.
• Conduct solo and team geological hazards investigations and/or surficial geologic mapping, sometimes in remote locations.
• Communicate with staff of varying technical knowledge and with non-scientific stakeholders.
• Effectively write AZGS reports to summarize research results and to accompany maps.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Author peer-reviewed scientific papers and publications.

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or related field and minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license upon hire and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Master's degree in Geology or related field AND minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB).
• Experience conducting geologic hazards investigations.
• FAA UAV pilot license and experience flying UAVs is advantageous but not required.