Researcher Scientist
Posting Number: req23062
Department: Research Innovation & Impact
Location: Main Campus
Address: Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Office of Research and Partnerships at the University of Arizona is in search of a Researcher Scientist. The Researcher Scientist will contribute to a comprehensive initiative advancing the University's position as a global leader in data science and the application of AI/ML methods to grand challenge societal problems. This position provides the opportunity to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environment alongside experts from across the University and with external partners.
The Office of Research & Partnerships (ORP) expands the capacity of U of A research and innovation enterprise with a focus on translating big ideas into important new knowledge and using the power of that knowledge to improve lives and communities in Arizona and across the globe.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Research & Development:
- Develops, plans, designs and conducts independent or collaborative research projects in data science, AI and machine learning with applications in societal challenges.
- Participate in proposal development and serve as PI or Co-PI on externally funded research projects.
- Evaluates current an future technologies to further research goals and measures. Reviews progress and evaluates research metrics, results and outcomes.
- Contribute to high-quality, peer-reviewed publications in top disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals.
- Support the development of large-scale AI infrastructure, resources, and tools for cutting-edge AI research.
- Support the development of software, algorithms, and data-driven models that enhance predictive capabilities and decision support systems.
Collaboration & Technical Leadership:
- Work
with multidisciplinary teams across the University and with external
collaborators to develop impactful, applied research solutions. - Serves
as a senior collaborator on multi-faceted or highly complex research projects,
exercising independent judgment in day-to-day research operations, contributing
advanced expertise, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure
project continuity and integrity. - Provide
technical leadership and guidance to graduate students and research assistants
on project-specific tasks.
Engagement
& Outreach:
- Participate in program related activities such as workshops, seminars, training sessions, and conferences.
- Collaborate on organizing outreach and educational activities to build research capacity and expand ORP's impact.
- Professional Development
- Engage in opportunities for continued learning and leadership development in research and proposal writing
- Build a track record of scholarly and applied contributions.
- Additional duties may be assigned
Knowledge, skills & abilities:
- Knowledge
of relevant tools or platforms for machine learning, geospatial data, or
high-performance computing. - Strong
written and verbal communication skills. - Strong
analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex
data and draw meaningful conclusions. - Strong
collaborative skills, with experience contributing to interdisciplinary teams
and coordinating with investigators, staff, and external partners. - Understanding
of regulatory and compliance requirements, including IRB protocols, data
security, or laboratory safety, as applicable. - Attention
to detail and commitment to research integrity, reproducibility, and
documentation best practices. - Ability
to manage research logistics, including participant coordination, sample
tracking, or project documentation. - Interest in mentoring students and supporting workforce development
- Familiarity with data science tools and programming
languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB). - Interest in mentoring students and supporting workforce development
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in a related discipline required and a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated research experience through publications, technical reports, or applied project outcomes.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in solving societal challenges /real world problems, including sustainability, climate change, public health, emergency/disaster response.
- Experience working on interdisciplinary teams or contributing to funded research proposals.
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Research
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: DOE
Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
10
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC4
Job Family
Researchers & Scientists
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Contact Information for Candidates
Yisel Suarez I suarezb@arizona.edu
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
