Research Associate in Geology

Job Summary

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Geology & Geological Engineering/Hydrologic Science and Engineering Program is encouraging applications for a Research Associate to fill a one-year position with possible extension. Functioning somewhat independently, the Research Associate will design, organize and conduct highly specialized analyses of subsurface data for critical zone studies, specifically to explore controls on water quality and quantity; summarize findings and publish results in research journals; and provide supervision and guidance to graduate students. The Research Associate is expected to lead geophysical data analysis and deep learning applications on the control of subsurface variability on water quality and quantity under a changing climate at the regional to global scale. This is a full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. The initial appointment is for 1 year with the potential for an additional year based on satisfactory performance. The preferred start date is November 1, 2024, but we can be flexible.
 

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead development on a water reanalysis framework that includes numerical models or flow and geophysical inversion (ERT, IP, and SP, particularly), remote-sensing analyses, deep learning techniques, and uncertainty quantification of data

• Collect, prepare, and analyze largely existing research data on geophysics and subsurface characteristics for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation.

• Analyze pertinent scientific literature and locate existing published data as needed.

• Publish results of data in the peer-reviewed literature.

Additional responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Two years postdoc experience in hydrology and/or geophysics

• Previous experience in machine learning in earth or environmental sciences and geophysical data collection and analysis required

• Previous experience working with numerical models

• Strong interest in multidisciplinary science and working in teams

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to write code in R, Python, or Matlab proficiently

• Strong experience with hydrogeophysical data analysis, numerical modeling of flow and/or transport, and deep-learning techniques

• Experience publishing in the peer-reviewed literature

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently to solve problems as they arise

• Strong attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interest in mentoring and/or working with students

• Dedication to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce

Physical Requirements:                                        

• Limited field work may be a part of this job

About Mines & The Department

Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver.  The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience. Learn about the department at https://geology.mines.edu/.

Salary Rate and Benefits

$65,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees. 

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:

• Flexible health and dental care plans

• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.

• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

• Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care. Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center. For more information about benefits at Mines, go to mines.edu/human-resources/benefits. 

How to Apply

This posting will close on 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must:

• Complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status)

• Upload a resume CV

• Upload a cover letter

Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR at kfeighny@mines.edu with any questions. 

Mines welcomes everyone to our team; in your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc). If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Successful Completion of a Background Investigation is required for this position. This posting may be used to fill multiple openings. 

EEO statement

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.
 

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.