R&D Engineer/Scientist II Posting Number req27135
Department Sch Mining Engr Mineral Res
Department Website Link https://mining.arizona.edu/
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights The Geotechnical Center of Excellence (GCE) is an industry-funded and stakeholder-led organization within the University of Arizona's School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources dedicated to advancing mine safety and geotechnical innovation. The R&D Engineer supports applied research, field data collection, and professional development courses focused on mine stability, highwall safety, and thermal imaging-based rockfall detection. Working under general supervision of senior research staff, this position assists with instrumentation deployment, data acquisition, and testing activities, including field work on active mine sites. Much of this work will occur in real mine environments and may require moving safely between office, laboratory, and field settings. While the role reports to senior staff, the ability to work independently and exercise good judgement in field and office settings is strongly valued. Fieldwork at active mine sites and occasional travel to industry events are expected.
For more information about the Geotechnical Center and the Engineering department at the University, click here mining.arizona.edu/gce
Duties & Responsibilities Applied Research & Field Support: Participate in planning and execution of field data collection and research testing programs related to highwall safety, slope performance monitoring, and thermal imaging applications. Work will occur both on campus and on active mine sites. Coordinate & Support installation, calibration, and operation of sensors, collect and process data, perform preliminary analyses, contribute to technical documentation and serve as co-author / presenter of written reports, abstracts and publications In collaboration with senior research staff.
Professional Development Support: Collaborate with senior staff and industry advisors to develop and maintain professional courses on geotechnical topics. Prepare course materials and draft assessments (e.g., quizzes, knowledge checks). Support editing and organizing contributor content (including video editing). Provide participant and instructor support during course delivery, including live webinar facilitation and logistics.
Collaboration & Growth: Work closely with senior staff to coordinate project tasks, communicate progress, and review student and undergraduate assistant work products for accuracy, completeness, and data quality. Participate in team discussions, field campaigns, and collaborative problem-solving. Take on progressively greater responsibility as skills develop.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Foundational understanding of geotechnical engineering and slope stability principles.
- Ability to work independently on defined tasks and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong communication skills and attention to detail in data handling and documentation.
- Interest in emerging technologies for mine slope monitoring and data analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate tasks, track progress, and keep workstreams organized to support timely completion of deliverables.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document methods, summarize findings, and communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Basic experience with data collection and analysis in field or research settings.
- Strong technical writing and organizational skills.
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 - Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with geotechnical instrumentation, slope monitoring data, or remote sensing applications.
- Experience with geotechnical software (e.g., RocScience suite, FLAC) and data visualization tools.
- Experience using Python or similar scripting languages for data processing, automation, or visualization is considered a plus.
- Experience writing technical material (e.g. methods, results, or data summaries) and/or contributing to conference abstracts, presentations, or publications.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Academic
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201
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 PC2
Job Family Research Engineering
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 Julia Potter,
Director, Geotechnical Center of Excellence
[email protected] Open Date 9/23/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
