Does Desert Research Institute pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Desert Research Institute employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.7 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Desert Research Institute. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Desert Research Institute?

89% of Desert Research Institute employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Desert Research Institute 3.8 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.0 for culture and values and 3.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Desert Research Institute?

Graduate Research Assistant (4) , Research Scientist (4) , Research Assistant (2) , Research Professor (2) , Scientist (2)

What are the pros of working at Desert Research Institute according to real employee reviews?

"Great people, awesome atmosphere." ((in 7 reviews)); "Colleagues are brilliant and you're working on literally saving the world" ((in 2 reviews))

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Desert Research Institute

Part of NSHE (Nevada System of Higher Education)

Desert Research Institute reviews

Applied Science Research Professionals - Assistant Research Scientist Desert Research Institute Employee Review

5.0

Dec 1, 2021

Assistant research scientist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Some of the best minds in the world World-renowned Applied science, not just theoretical Influential results have far-reaching effects

Cons

Salaries are mostly from very competitive research money - if you don't write and win grants, you have to work for someone who is successful at writing & winning grants, in which case your success depends on others. If you're not on a large, well-funded multi-year grant/contract, you're constantly chasing after smaller grants for partial-year funding. There are funds available to cover grant-writing, but the time-cost is punitive.

Desert Research Institute Response

Thank you for submitting a review. We love to hear that you feel DRI's work is far-reaching and that we have some of the best minds in the world. We also understand that working in a soft-money environment has it's challenges, and we are always working to find ways to make this a little easier and further support proposal writing.

Explore other reviews about Desert Research Institute

5.0

Jun 17, 2026

Research scientist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good work life balance and benefits

Cons

Funding can be uncertain and dependent on grants and contracts.

5.0

Sep 30, 2025

Lab technician

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I really enjoy working here, the environment is more relaxed and people are friendly. Good if you're a student interested in science as you go in for your own hours

Cons

You will need a car to commute as it's off campus

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Applied Science Research Professionals - Assistant Research Scientist Desert Research Institute Employee Review

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