Research job opportunities

Position Overview

The Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) is seeking a Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team supporting geologic mapping and geospatial data initiatives across Idaho. This position develops and manages geospatial databases, performs GIS analyses, creates and edits digital geologic maps and supports the publication of geologic data products. Working with considerable independence, the successful candidate will apply GIS, cartographic and database management expertise to advance state and federally funded projects, improve data accessibility and workflows and help deliver geospatial information that supports scientific research, natural resource management, hazard assessment and informed decision-making.

This position supports IGS staff in research and grant-related responsibilities across programs in all GIS needs, including database creation and management, digital cartography and geologic mapping editing and layout. They will be responsible for interpreting spatial data, conducting analyses, creating maps and providing actionable insights. This position requires the ability to work independently and provides support and technical guidance to the Digital Mapping Manager and Survey staff on GIS-related matters.

Job Duties

Provide GIS support by (estimated effort: 45%):

• Supporting projects through GIS and database design and creative problem-solving
• Assisting geologic and mapping lab staff with map and GIS deliverables associated with USGS STATEMAP and Earth MRI grants
• Creating, converting and maintaining GIS datasets in standardized geodatabase schema
• Employing, modifying and creating computer programs and scripts to assist with GIS projects

Capture geologic map data digitally for both publication and regional database purposes by (estimated effort: 25%):

• Using several software packages and hardware systems to aid in the map-making process and provide a high level of quality control to the data capture process
• Digitizing, editing and attributing database objects from geologic field maps according to internal and contract standards
• Editing and maintaining geodatabase tables
• Creating and compiling accurate metadata to comply with IGS, USGS and contract standards.

Generate accurate and well-constructed geologic map publications by (estimated effort: 20%):

• Using ArcGIS and Adobe Suite products to generate scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing map documents
• Working with ArcGIS style files to manage symbolization of map features
• Importing GIS-generated layers into Adobe Illustrator to build map layouts
• Packaging GIS datasets and map documents for publication.

Contribute to the overall IGS mission by (estimated effort: 10%):

• Communicating regularly with staff and administration regarding in-house GIS and geologic digital data management
• Providing input to IGS staff for project and agency planning purposes
• Writing documentation for various GIS and data management procedures
• Providing general training to staff in the use of GIS, databases and other applications as necessary.

Additional information

• Apply for the GIS Specialist position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on July 17, 2026.

Position Overview

The Research Support Geologist reports to the Research Geologist and conducts geologic mapping and applied geologic research on mine waste and critical mineral deposits. The position will interact with industry, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, professional colleagues and the public.

Job Duties

Database population (estimated effort: 50%):

• Compiling geospatial and attribute data on mine waste and other mining-related features
• Populating a database in strict accordance with established procedures
• Conducting rigorous quality assurance and quality control processes

Geologic mapping (estimated effort: 20%):

• Interpreting surficial geology and mining-related features using Lidar-derived imagery
• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting field-based and legacy digital geologic data to meet core research objectives
• Evaluating and integrating existing data into geologic maps and cross sections

Communicating results (estimated effort: 10%):

• Assist with preparation of progress and final reports
• Assist with preparation of scientific publications
• Presenting research outcomes during stakeholder meetings

Sample preparation and analysis (estimated effort: 10%):

• Prepare rock, soil, sediment and mine waste samples
• Conduct physical, chemical and optical analyses of samples

Contribute to the IGS team effort (estimated effort: 10%):

• Collaborating with other IGS geologists and support staff to accomplish the mission of the agency.
• Undertaking other research duties as assigned

Additional information

• Apply for the minerals geologist position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on June 12, 2026.

Position Overview

The Research Support Geologist reports to the Research Geologists and conducts geologic mapping and applied research. The position will include field work in rugged terrain and interaction with industry, state and federal agencies, academic institutions, professional colleagues and the public.

Job Duties

Geologic mapping (estimated effort: 75%):

• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting field-based and legacy digital geologic data to meet core research objectives
• Evaluating and integrating existing data into geologic maps and cross sections

Communicating research results (estimated effort: 20%):

• As co-author, assist with preparing research results for publication by IGS, including geologic maps, cross sections, structural analyses, and other graphical presentations of geological interpretations
• Assisting with preparation of scientific reports

Contribute to the IGS team effort (estimated effort: 5%):

• Collaborating with other IGS geologists and support staff to accomplish the mission of the agency.
• Undertaking other research duties as assigned

Additional information

• Apply for the field geologist position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on June 12, 2026.

Position Overview

Sponsored Programs Administrator I

This position facilitates the submission of proposals for external funding by the University of Idaho, reviewing them to ensure compliance with federal, state, university and sponsor regulations and guidelines. University faculty and staff create proposals to outside agencies to fund research, instruction and other service projects through the university. The Sponsored Programs Administrator I is responsible for providing compliance oversight for research administration and sponsored programs; supporting the research, creative and scholarly endeavors of the university faculty, staff and students; ensuring the responsible stewardship of external sponsored funding; and assisting with the compliant submission of proposals.

Sponsored Programs Administrator II

This position facilitates the compliant submission of proposals for external funding by the University of Idaho. University faculty and staff create proposals to outside agencies to fund research, instruction and other service projects through the university. This position is responsible for providing leadership for research administration and sponsored programs, supporting the research, creative and scholarly endeavors of the university faculty, staff and students. The position focuses on ensuring the responsible stewardship of external sponsored funding; overseeing the submission of mid to large-scale proposals by reviewing those proposals to ensure compliance with federal, state, university and sponsor regulations and guidelines; and mitigating risk by training other positions and staff, faculty and students in this area.

Job Duties

Steward compliant and competitive proposal submissions by (estimated effort: 55%):

Sponsored Programs Administrator I

• Serve as a liaison to sponsor contacts on proposal-related administrative questions and issues.
• Provide assistance, interpretation and guidance to principal investigators (PIs) and other university employees to mitigate risk and maintain compliance.
• Collect and review required proposal documents, including mid- and large-scale proposals.
• Conduct research and analysis of new and existing agency requirements; recommend changes to university processes and policies as needed for compliance.
• Coordinate proposal approvals for submission.

Sponsored Programs Administrator II

• Duties of the Sponsored Programs Administrator I in addition to:
• Simultaneously handle a variety of proposals that require a high degree of attention.
• Organize, prioritize and plan own workload to meet deadlines.

Assist in advancing compliance by (estimated effort: 35%):

Sponsored Programs Administrator I

• Maintain records and contribute to metrics data.

Sponsored Programs Administrator II

• Duties of the Sponsored Programs Administrator I in addition to:
• Develop, deliver and participate in workshops and seminars.

Support OSP by (estimated effort: 10%):

• Other duties as assigned.

Additional information

• Apply for the Sponsored Programs administrator position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on June 3, 2026.

Position overview

The Postdoctoral research associate selected for this position will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team led by Dr. Colin Xu on Department of Defense (DoD)-funded research project involving the use of statistical and machine learning methods for predicting mental health outcomes of anxiety, depression and PTSD. There will be potential opportunities for methodological and/or software development and the integration of machine learning into the project.

Job duties

Conduct research (estimated effort: 70%):

• Engaging in research projects involving statistical and predictive modeling of mental health and psychiatric outcomes
• Independently collecting, cleaning, analyzing and interpreting data relevant to ongoing research projects
• Working collaboratively to integrate the results of the research
• Keeping up-to-date research notebooks and computer files of standard protocols

Present research results (estimated effort: 20%):

• Compiling and reporting results, preparing figures and tables that summarize data and results
• Writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Presenting work to collaborators, IMCI working groups and Brown Bag Lunch
• Presenting results in the form of talks or posters at regional, national and international conferences

Collaborative activities such as (estimated effort: 10%):

• Participating regularly in IMCI activities, including seminars, workshops and Brown Bag lunches
• Assisting in supervising and training undergraduate and graduate students engaged in projects on which postdoc participates
• Initiating new interdisciplinary collaborations at the university.

Additional information

• Apply for the predictive modeling position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on Sept. 23, 2025.

Position overview

The Postdoctoral research associate selected for this position will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team on research involving the use of statistical and machine learning methods for the development of Immune Digital Twins. There will be potential opportunities for methodological and/or software development, as well as the integration of machine learning into the project, depending on the candidate’s interests.

Job duties

Conduct research (estimated effort: 70%):

• Engaging in assigned model-based collaborative research projects
• Participating in the Working Group associated with each project
• Independently collecting, analyzing and interpreting data relevant to each project
• Working collaboratively to integrate the results of the research
• Keeping up-to-date research notebooks and computer files of standard protocols

Present research results (estimated effort: 20%):

• Compiling and reporting findings, preparing figures and tables that summarize data and results
• Writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Presenting work in working groups and Brown Bag Lunch
• Presenting results in the form of talks or posters at regional, national and international conferences

Collaborative activities such as (estimated effort: 10%):

• Participating regularly in IMCI activities, including seminars, workshops and Brown Bag lunches
• Assisting in supervising and training undergraduate and graduate students engaged in projects on which postdoc participates
• Initiating new interdisciplinary collaborations at the university

Additional information

• Apply for the statistical modeling position.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the letter of qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on Sept. 23, 2025.