Research Job Opportunities

Position Overview:

The Geologic Mapping Lab Manager of the Idaho Geological Survey (IGS) manages and oversees all aspects of the geologic mapping and GIS lab, leading the implementation and development of core capabilities of the lab, including supervision of the production of geologic maps, publications, and data management across a range of software and platforms.

The position is responsible for all aspects of the daily operations of the lab, including production and revision of maps. It supervises lab staff, which includes GIS Analysts and Digital Cartographers; assists the geological staff with mapping solutions, GIS-related applications, vector graphics, and other computer applications; and advises and assists with the development and integration of new technologies, such as drones and other surveying and mapping techniques. The position also assists with the submission and management of grants in collaboration with the geologic mapping program coordinator.

Limited travel is required as needed to attend professional or technical meetings and for visits to the IGS office in Boise.

Establishing or maintaining a research portfolio compatible with the position’s time commitments and with the IGS mandate and priorities is encouraged but not required.

The position is stationed at the Moscow campus of University of Idaho and reports to the IGS Director.

Duties may include:

• Supervising scientific/technical staff.
• Interfacing with geologic staff on IGS research projects.
• Establishing work priorities, procedures, and performance standards; hiring, training, evaluating staff; assigning, and reviewing work.
• Providing technical revisions of maps and publications, effectively acting as principal map editor.
• Coordinating with the University of Idaho Office of Information Technology (OIT) to ensure continuity in the server functionalities and management of Windows network domain and active directory.
• Maintaining and purchasing of lab software and hardware and advising the IGS director on technology needs.
• Co-managing of the IGS website.
• Providing technical support within the area of responsibility.
• Making managerial decisions that directly affect the efficiency, cost, reputation, and service quality of the Idaho Geological Survey.
• Other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate:

• Broad geoscience background
• Experience supervising subordinate staff to achieve team objectives
• An ability to take on large, multi-faceted projects
• Innovative problem-solving abilities
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing
• Leadership qualities that motivate others to achieve
• Ability to navigate and manage competing deadlines

Why You Should Join Our Team:

You will work closely with a dedicated, enthusiastic, and talented team of geoscientists who are passionate about Idaho’s geology. You will play a fundamental role in the mission of the Idaho Geological Survey. You will have a chance to perform a very impactful job in service of the state, its constituents, and the nation, with direct influence and application to energy, resources, resiliency, and economy. You will earn ample vacation and sick leave, be able to enjoy a flexible schedule and maintain a work-life balance. You will gain full access to the great outdoors that Idaho has to offer and the unique culture of the Inland Northwest region. The position is housed on University of Idaho campus in Moscow, ID, a family-friendly community that merges the progressive vibes of the university culture with the small-town, outdoors feel of the beautiful Palouse.

Job Duties

Manage the Digital Mapping and GIS Laboratory (DML) by (Estimated effort: 70%):

• Providing leadership and management of the lab and direct supervision of lab staff (GIS Analysts, Digital Cartographers, and others working on IGS projects).
• Assigning technical tasks to lab and other staff and setting project priorities.
• Supervising the development of lab procedures, computer scripts, and software code as needed to maintain compliance with agency and industry protocols and providing training to IGS staff as needed.
• Supervising all map production tasks and serving as principal map editor to ensure high quality and compliance to standards of map and database products.
• Overseeing publication and web delivery of map products and other IGS publications.
• Supervising and conducting a range of simple to complex GIS and geospatial tasks, GIS digitization, and production and editing of vector graphics.
• Overseeing archiving of IGS projects at the end of performance period, in collaboration with authors and database manager.
• Implementing strategies and best practices for centralizing data repository and data sharing.
• Coordinating and communicating with Information Technology contractors to maintain file servers and the IGS domain.
• Coordinating with the Director to develop and implement computer maintenance and replacement strategies and purchasing computers, servers, peripherals, and software as needed.
• Maintaining the Active Directory for Windows Server and the IGS Windows network domain (e.g., creating users, and managing and enforcing permissions).
• Maintaining, updating, and installing hardware and software and assisting staff on computer and software maintenance and finding solutions to problems.

Support research and program development by (Estimated effort: 15%):

• Assisting staff in grant preparation and submission; providing input and guidance on all aspects of the grant process, with emphasis on STATEMAP announcements.
• Assist with submitting grant deliverables.
• Helping build partnerships and collaborations with academia and industry.

Assist with Survey publications and publication sales by (Estimated effort: 10%):

• Coordinating and assisting IGS staff with the publication process.
• Overseeing the editing and revising of publications, including layout and supporting figures.
• Assigning publication identifier numbers.
• Coordinating with administrative staff to ensure delivery of Survey publications to the Idaho State Commission for Libraries and other agencies per requirements.

Co-manage the IGS website by (Estimated effort: 5%):

• Coordinating with Administrative staff and Database manager on website management, maintenance, and content updates.
• Coordinating with IGS staff on research projects that have website requirements and assisting with web content design and construction.
• Ensuring the collection and interpretation of website statistics.

Requirements

Required Experience:

• Strong understanding of general geology, with emphasis on geologic mapping concepts and procedures.
• Interpreting and analyzing geologic maps.
• Using ESRI ArcGIS software applications.
• Using computer software and applications for vector graphics and illustrations.
• Supervising and managing technical staff.
• Managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Two years of post-degree experience with geologic and/or geospatial data. Graduate teaching or research assistantships will be considered up to one year and postdoctoral fellowships will be considered up to one year and six months.

Required Education:

• Master’s Degree in Geology or Earth Sciences.

Required Other:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehicles.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to carry and/or otherwise move equipment weighing as much as 35 pounds.
• Requires occasional overnight travel.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Map publication experience
• Proven experience with conducting geologic mapping.
• Demonstrated work experience with overseeing IT contractors.
• Working with GeMS databases
• Demonstrated experience with teaching GIS and database skills to technical staff.
• Applied GIS/geology work experience with a state or federal geologic survey.
• Proven working experience with Lidar applications in the field of geology.
• Ph.D. in Geology or closely related field with an emphasis in geospatial and GIS applications of geology.
• GIS Certificate or equivalent.
• Experience supervising geologists, GIS, and digital cartographic staff.
• Familiarity with the geology of Idaho.
• Working knowledge of SQL database scripting language.
• Working knowledge of computer IT systems including MS Active Directory and managing local domains.
• Proven and advanced knowledge/work experience with Python programming.
• Managing PC computer networks and servers.
• Managing and designing databases.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Apply through the University of Idaho Careers Page.

Please address all the minimum requirements in the Letter of Qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on April 29.

For more information, please contact Claudio Berti at cberti@uidaho.edu.

Position Overview

This is a position that will be associated with University of Idaho’s project entitled Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP). A large component of the project is the measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) of agronomic management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Included in this work is the analysis of soils and plant organic matter. The laboratory assistant will work with a team of students and project faculty to accomplish MMRV goals over the grant period. The position is located in the lab Biogeochemistry Core at U of I and affiliated with SWS. Reports to the Biogeochemistry Core Facility Leader on behalf of the user group which includes representatives of other departments in CALS, Engineering and Science.

The Assistant Laboratory Manager works with the Biogeochemistry Lab Manager to manage sample flow through and data quality with a focus on the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership samples (IAMP). The assistant will help to maintain and conduct analyses using analytical instrumentation within the Biogeochemistry Core Facility. Prepares reports of sample analyses.

Duties may include:

• Operate, troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments including greenhouse gas analyzers, elemental analyzers and flow injection analyzers
• Prepare standard solutions for instrument calibration, operation and analyses
• Interpret test results and compare with determined standards and limits
• Collect and organize laboratory data
• Upload data to data repositories as required
• Develop reference files, comparison charts and graphs on research data
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety regulations
• Maintain schedule of users and clients and coordinate use of the instruments to maximize use and accessibility to members of the instrument user group
• Other duties as assigned

Job Duties

Sample preparation and analysis by (Estimated effort: 60%):

• Grinding soil and plant samples
• Preparing reagents for nutrient extractions
• Weighing sample material for analyses
• Following Environmental Health and Safety regulations on chemical disposal

Maintenance of instrumentation by (Estimated effort: 20%):

• Exchanging spent solid and liquid reagents with new reagents
• Following protocols in cleaning instrumentation
• Performing periodic cleaning of sensitive instrumentation with supervision
• Ordering new materials for instrumentation

Preparing data reports by (Estimated effort: 20%):

• Collecting data from instruments and uploading to lab database
• Performing quality assurance and quality control of data from analysis
• Sending results to investigators with a report of internal precision

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience

• Experience working with instrumentation in a laboratory setting
• Collecting and recording data following pre-established procedures or protocols
• Accomplishing goals or completion of projects in a team environment
• Using computer software and applications for word processing, developing spreadsheets, email and internet research

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Hands-on research experience through coursework, employment, internships, fellowships or similar educational opportunity

Additional information

• Apply through the University of Idaho Careers page.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the Letter of Qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on April 29.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Office of Research and Economic Development Business Officer and alongside assigned project Principal Investigator(s), the Institutional Program Implementation Specialist will provide post-award performance, project and fiscal management of sponsored programs as assigned, with a focus on large and/or complex awards.

The Institutional Program Implementation Specialist will lead project management efforts and provide support to the Principal Investigators (PI), Research Administrators (RA), and project or program teams in the fiscal management, implementation and execution of complex sponsored project efforts. Post-Award responsibilities include creating comprehensive project implementation plans, managing budgets and program expenditures, project and task timelines and technical aspects of strategic sponsored projects in coordination with department personnel and PIs. This position will function as a liaison to facilitate a thorough understanding of each project or program team’s needs and performance and technical goals to strengthen and enhance existing support within the university and identify areas where additional support is needed.

Duties may include:

• Lead, organize and track project communications with all stakeholders, including externally funded partners, sub-recipients and contractors
• Participate in setting meeting goals and outcomes
• Lead project management efforts by documenting scope and timelines, track progress towards key deliverables, draft meeting notes/records and facilitate the flow of information to project participants; may independently plan and complete assigned projects, events and programs with a defined scope
• Input sponsored program components into a project management software program and create a comprehensive timeline including internal and external partner tasks
• Coordinate complex travel, meeting and event arrangements for project leadership and other individuals
• Coordinate office operations, delegate work and provide input on performance evaluations
• Coordinate personnel actions
• Coordinate the purchasing of identified goods and services
• Monitor transactions and coordinate timely adjustments to ensure allowability of expenditures
• Develop and deliver project reports to internal and external stakeholders
• Ad hoc reporting including budget projections and monitoring
• Coordinate award closeout activities
• Other duties as assigned

Job Duties

Project Performance Management (Estimated effort: 55%):

• Review of project Request for Proposal (RFP), Fully Executed Award and compliance requirements of both
• Lead project management efforts by developing and documenting scope and timelines, tracking progress towards key deliverables, drafting meeting notes/records and facilitating the flow of information to project participants; may independently plan and complete assigned projects, events and programs with a defined scope
• Contribute to the development of appropriate contract types, agreement mechanisms and strategies
• Lead initial program award “kick-off” and monthly, quarterly and annual program review sessions with the project team to ensure cost, schedule and technical performance goals are achieved
• Provide training and ongoing guidance to project participants, including faculty, administrative staff, central administration and external partners as project needs require
• Proactively identify project issues and work with stakeholders to find solutions
• Identify areas of project risk and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies
• Ensure projects are compliant with university policy and regulatory requirements in areas such as Export Control, Restricted Research, Conflict of Interest, Research Security, Human Subjects, Animal Research, Environmental Health and Safety, etc.
• Develop and disseminate information continually to all pertinent parties concerning the fulfillment of project goals and objectives
• Delegate and monitor project workloads across the workforce to ensure timely, accurate and professional execution of project goals
• Provide guidance and/or support to project administration personnel related to personnel functions relative to the project
• Coordinate and execute the development, delivery and submission of performance reports as required by the sponsor and/or university

Project Fiscal Management (Estimated effort: 40%):

• Function as primary contact for all post-award program activities, including reporting and budget management
• Working collaboratively with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to ensure the award setup accurately reflects the terms and conditions of the award as well as anticipated spending
• Function as liaison to OSP and assist with reporting and compliance inquiries and submissions
• Advise the project participants and teams on fiscal concerns and provide prudent corrective actions
• Audit project expenditures
• Advise project participants of the allowability of expenditures
• Facilitate and coordinate budget activities of the project
• Communicate regularly with project participants and OSP regarding grant activity, including developing and presenting financial reports
• Support and assist the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) in organizing, planning and implementing the project management approaches, tools, templates and best practices. Activities include development of recommended processes and procedures and training and support to employees

Other (Estimated effort: 5%):

• Provide back-up and coverage in the ORED Fiscal Operations unit as needed
• Train and support other positions within ORED as assigned
• Serve on committees as appropriate and as appointed by supervisor
• Execute responsibility for other duties, projects and business in a collaborative and collegial way as assigned

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

• Two years of experience with funding-related proposal development, funding management or grant management
• One year of experience independently managing projects that involve multiple stakeholders which required providing training to personnel and stakeholders
• Serving as a liaison between internal and external entities and individuals to coordinate activities and resolve issues
• One year leading a team or teams
• Analyzing information from a variety of sources, including identifying problems, defining alternatives and assisting in implementing recommendations

Preferred Qualifications

Certification

• Project Management Professional

Experience

• Three or more years of experience in a sponsored programs-related support position doing work related to compliance with the regulatory principles that govern sponsored funding, preferably at an institution of higher education, non-profit or federal entity
• One year of experience working at a matrixed organization, such as an institution of higher education (IHE), preferably working in or with university research administration or management
• Experience managing conflict with the skills necessary to bring parties with disparate views toward mutually beneficial outcomes that promote long-term relationship-building

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of university policies and objectives
• Edit and write business correspondence using proper grammar and punctuation as demonstrated in application materials
• Knowledge of and experience applying accounting theory, principles and practices
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200, federal and state regulations that govern sponsored projects and/or knowledge of U of I policies pertaining to sponsored funding
• Experience with project management software
• An open-minded and multidimensional approach to problem-solving
• Ability to evaluate internal controls and understand organizational risk, implementing appropriate policies or procedures to ensure compliance
• Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style and assessing where improvements are needed, making appropriate connections and building synergies
• Extensive proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Additional information

• Apply through the University of Idaho Careers page.
• In your application, please address all the minimum requirements in the Letter of Qualification. Preferential review of applicants to begin on April 29.