Geophysicist (Research Scientist) (Arizona Geological Survey)

Posting Number
req27227

Department
Arizona Geological Survey

Department Website Link
https://azgs.arizona.edu/

Location
Tucson Campus

Address
Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Arizona Geological Survey at the University of Arizona invites you to apply to the role of Geophysicist (Researcher/Scientist III).

This role is ideal for a field-oriented researcher with expertise in collecting and analyzing magnetotelluric (MT) and/or electrical resistivity (ER) data and performing inversion models that can be integrated with other geophysical datasets such as gravity, aeromagnetic, and seismic data for subsurface energy resource characterization. The Geophysicist will design, implement, and actively participate in field-based geophysical data collection campaigns; process raw datasets; and integrate multiple large datasets to develop 2D and 3D subsurface models.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, permit, and manage field-based geophysical data collection campaigns in challenging Arizona terrain, with emphasis on MT data collection.
• Perform quality control and troubleshoot geophysical equipment.
• Conduct fieldwork individually and as part of a team to accomplish scientific tasks in support of the Geophysics and Energy Geology Groups.
• Process geophysical datasets, with specific emphasis in MT, and generate 2D/3D inversion models.
• Create and manage large geologic and geophysical datasets in multiple, often simultaneous, projects related to energy resources and subsurface geology in Arizona.
• Aid in field deployments for passive seismic systems and help maintain the AZGS broadband seismic network.
• Participate in writing proposals for external funding from federal and state agencies and private partners.
• May lead or co-lead development of proposals.
• Will co-author inversion models, cross sections, technical reports, peer-reviewed scientific papers and will give public and scientific presentations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert knowledge of geophysical data collection methods, with an emphasis on magnetotellurics.
• Expertise in field deployment and management of field operations.
• Good technical writing skills.
• Good communication skills; able to effectively present results to people unfamiliar with MT.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geology or a related field, AND a minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience is required.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in field deployments of MT or electrical resistivity technologies.
• Experience with data analysis in Python.
• Experience processing S-EGY, mSEED, or other time-series geophysical datasets.
• Experience post-processing magnetotelluric datasets.
• Experience interpreting MT datasets.

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
8

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 represents 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
PC3

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

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates
Randi Bellassai
Assistant Director
[email protected]

Open Date
10/2/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant