Postdoctoral Scholar, Interdisciplinary Data Science, College of Engineering [R0144891]

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. 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 note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or unlvjobs@unlv.edu.

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar, Interdisciplinary Data Science, College of Engineering [R0144891].

ROLE of the POSITION

The Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Department within the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering at UNLV invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Postdoctoral Scholar of Interdisciplinary Data Science, commencing January 1, 2025. The position is renewable for up to two additional years (3 years total), pursuant to availability of funds. This postdoctoral scholar will work on research topics related to AI-Driven Wildfire Detection Using Drones and Remote Sensing; Machine Learning Models for Predicting Wildfire Spread; Wildfire Risk Assessment Through Multi-Modal Data Integration; Automated Vegetation and Fuel Load Mapping Using Computer Vision; AI-Based Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality Monitoring; Deep Learning for Post-Wildfire Damage Assessment.

PROFILE of the OFFICE OF POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS (OPA)

The mission of the UNLV Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is to enhance and support postdoctoral training and career development; serve as the central resource office for postdoctoral questions and issues for faculty, supervisors, mentors, and prospective and current postdocs; build a community for all UNLV postdocs; and provide professional development programs and networking events for postdocs.

UNLV currently employs postdoctoral scholars across a wide range of disciplines. Learn more about UNLV’s postdoctoral scholars.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a PhD Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geospatial Science, Data Science, or a closely related field, with an emphasis on machine learning, AI, remote sensing, computer vision, or interdisciplinary data science applications to environmental challenges such as wildfire management, from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and demonstrated experience in conducting independent research, managing large datasets, and developing advanced analytical models for real-world environmental applications. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience applying machine learning or AI techniques to environmental data.

• Proficiency in remote sensing and geospatial data analysis.

• Expertise in computer vision and image analysis, particularly for drone or satellite imagery.

• Familiarity with wildfire modeling, risk assessment, or disaster management.

• Strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, R, or other relevant languages.

• Experience working with large datasets and high-performance computing (HPC) systems.

• Proven track record of interdisciplinary collaboration on research projects.

• Strong publication record in relevant fields such as environmental science, data science, or engineering.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Prior experience mentoring or supervising graduate students or research assistants.

SALARY RANGE

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Position is contingent upon funding.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision

• No state income tax (if applicable)

• Comprehensive retirement plan and voluntary benefits programs

• Grant in Aid waives the non-resident fee for the employee and their eligible dependents at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools

PERKS

• Connect with colleagues with shared interests

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• Discounted tickets for UNLV athletics

• Discounted tickets for UNLV Performing Arts Center and  Nevada Conservatory Theatre

• Statewide employee purchase program discounts

• RebelCard discounts on and off campus

• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on December 1, 2024.

Materials should be addressed to Dr. Haroon Sahotra, Search Committee Chair, and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find 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, “R0144891” in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution comprised of approximately 30,000 students and more than 3,600 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 152,000 degrees, producing more than 130,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity, and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual listing of the nation's most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada.

For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible.

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) Room 553, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: titleixcoordinator@unlv.edu, or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: OCR@ed.gov; or to both. 

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Administrative Faculty

Exempt

Full-Time Equivalent

Required Attachment(s)

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.  

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified,  HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment. 

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.  

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.  

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.  

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided).

Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.