Director Microbial Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Greenhouse and Field Operations Manager - 100% in-person.
ROLE of the POSITION
The successful candidate will be hired into the Research Analyst/Research Associate position classification, with a designated business title of Greenhouse and Field Operations Manager.
The individual will have responsibilities of managing the School of Life Sciences Greenhouse facility on the UNLV main campus (one day per week) and at the Center for Urban water Conservation in North Las Vegas (four days per week). At each facility the duties will include working with faculty and students in the School of Life Sciences to help ensure the success of ongoing research projects. Maintenance of the greenhouse facilities involves maintaining environmental control systems (interacting with Mr. Eric Knight), irrigation, water purification and fertilizer injection systems. Other tasks include handling and applying fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and cleaning and organizing the head-house and greenhouse bays. In the case of the UNLV greenhouse facility on campus, the individual will work directly with Dr. Jeff Shen. At the Center for Urban water Conservation, the individual hired will oversee the day-to-day maintenance of the 10-acre research site, maintaining the irrigation and pumping system, the lysimeter facility, a weather station research project and interacting with the Cooperative Extension staff housed at the Center. The individual will work directly under the supervision of the Director of the center for Urban Water Conservation, Dr. Dale Devitt.
PROFILE of the School of Life Sciences
UNLV School of Life Sciences: UNLV SoLS (https://www.unlv.edu/lifesciences) maintains a highly active research environment with investigators working on microbiology, ecology and evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, integrative physiology, cellular and molecular biology, biomathematics, and biology education and assessment. The diverse group of microbiologists at UNLV currently have expertise in microbial genetics, physiology, pathogenesis, ecology, and environmental genomics. Research resources include a new animal care facility and the UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core. Genomics resources, including next-generation DNA sequencing facilities, are available on campus through the Nevada Genomics Center and the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (NIPM). NIPM recently received an NIH COBRE grant that provides opportunities to young faculty for pilot grants and collaboration for microbiome-related research. The UNLV National Supercomputing Institute provides high-performance computing to all UNLV faculty through the Cherry Creek Cluster and other supercomputers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a bachelor's degree in science related field (biology, horticulture or agronomy preferred) from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), science-related and at least two years of experience (or a Master's degree in a science related field in lieu of work experience requirement.
Credentials must be obtained prior to the employment start date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Competitive applicants will have experience working with and maintaining both greenhouse and field instrumentation. Top applicants will also have computer skills (Word, Excel and Statistical programs), and a basic understanding of chemistry as associated with soil-plant-water analysis.
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.
SALARY RANGE
Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package including:
  
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard
• Support and resources available for veteran applicants - contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu or visit our Veterans Webpage.

HOW TO APPLY
Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, email 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.
Materials should be addressed to Dr. Dale Devitt, Search Committee Chair.
Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates' materials will begin on July 5, 2026.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Workday. Please note that emailed materials will not be accepted.
Veterans are encouraged to apply. UNLV values the skills of those who have served. Learn more at Veterans Webpage or contact vetjobseekers@unlv.edu for support.
For assistance with the application process, please review instructions on How to ApplyFor further assistance 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, "R0152085" 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.
online
For more information, visit us online 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. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
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, Mail Stop 1062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Campus Services Building (CSB) Room 246, 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
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted.
Posting Close Date
12/31/2026
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.