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 .

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) offers graduate research assistantships to work on DRI’s campus in a research-related position while completing graduate studies. Graduate research assistants (GRA’s) gain the experience of working alongside DRI faculty members on cutting edge research. These joint positions are based at DRI, but coursework, academic advisement and degrees are provided by the University where the individual is enrolled. GRA’s work 50% time during the academic year, with the option to work more during winter and summer breaks.

The Graduate Research Assistant in this position will work within DRI’s STEM Education Program, which provides hands-on STEM learning resources, trainings, and opportunities to Nevada’s PreK-College learners. Under the STEM Education Coordinator’s supervision, the GRA will coordinate, implement, and analyze a 6-week Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workshop series for underserved and at-risk young adults. This workshop series is designed to expose students to local STEM careers in Southern Nevada while advancing their knowledge, skills, and interest in STEM fields. The GRA’s work will include scheduling presenters, organizing hands-on activities, and managing field trips logistics. In addition, this position will also be responsible for developing and implementing evaluation and research tools to better understand the impact of underserved or at-risk youth’s engagement in this program. Resulting evaluation data will inform an analysis report, utilized for iterative program improvement and future expansion. This impactful project supports DRI’s STEM Education Program’s mission of providing equitable STEM education opportunities for all, by providing support and STEM skill development to Southern Nevada’s vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities Include:

• Update and develop an informal STEM education curriculum with a focus on hands-on activities, career highlights, and guest speakers.

• Manage materials, including ordering, tracking, and distributing supplies needed for duration of the workshop.

• Coordinate field trips including attending all field trips, identifying relevant locations, managing logistics and activities.

• Directly implement the STEM curriculum and activities with program participants.

• Develop research evaluations and other methods of collecting data from participants to measure the program’s impact.

• Analyze and compile evaluative data; utilize data to develop a report on program impacts upon completion.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

• Acceptance into a Master’s or Ph.D. granting program in education, STEM education, public health, psychology, social work, social justice, or related major

• Registered for a minimum of six graduate credits per semester

• Ability to work independently

• Strong oral and written communication skills

Conditions of Employment

• All positions are contingent upon available funding from your DRI advisor’s research projects and may be terminated for lack of funding or performance.

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

DRI offers a competitive support package, which includes a monthly stipend and access to student health services.  A grant-in-aid waiver will cover 100% of tuition/per credit costs.  Grant-in-aid does not cover other fees or books.

Qualifying PhD GRAs (defined as students with an acceptance letter into the PhD program with either a Master's Degree or Bachelor’s degree and have passed their qualifying exam) will be paid at $2250.00 (half-time). Students accepted into a PhD program directly from a Bachelor’s degree will be paid at $1850.00 (half-time rate) until they have completed a MS degree or passed their qualifying exam.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. For 60 years, DRI research faculty, students, and staff have applied scientific understanding to support the effective management of natural resources while meeting Nevada's needs for economic diversification and science-based educational opportunities. With more than 400 employees and two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI is one of eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

The STEM Education Program conducts education and engagement for the Desert Research Institute. Our mission is to support the next generation in science-based education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, so that all have access to acquire the skills needed to work, live and contribute to their communities. The STEM Education Program achieves our mission by providing workforce development through inquiry-based STEM curriculum, educator trainings, internships, and workshops focused on hands-on learning, engagement, and career exposure.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent 

50.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

DRI 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, “R0144908” in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at . For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants 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.