Position Title: Post Doctoral

Employee Classification: Post Doctoral

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311000-EXTENSN ANIMAL RESOURCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): NMSU Ag Science Center at Clovis, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team to work on various environmental sustainability projects in large SW dairy production systems.

Classification Summary:
Assist, instruct and function as a role model for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a relevant research program.

Classification Standard Duties:
Supervise, direct, delegate and evaluate work of assigned staff. Oversee and/or conduct research. Assist in technical support for the delegated project. Create new opportunities by preparing and submitting new project proposals to national funding agencies. Perform related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Doctorate degree in related field.; Required Experience:No previous work experience required.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, mentoring and performance evaluation; research techniques and designs; methodologies; data collection and analysis.; SKILLS:Skills in short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication; literature reviews and compilation; material development for scientific and non-scientific audiences; grant writing and peer reviewed publications; modification of existing models or development of new models. The applicant may be responsible for, but not limited to, assisting in technical and outreach support in the department and organizing outreach events and conferences addressing activities associated with the research project.; ABILITIES:Ability to direct, evaluate, train and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information; make presentations; work as a member of a team; write technical reports, conference presentation papers, peer-reviewed journal articles and grant proposals.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Research Design and Implementation:
-Conduct current and new research projects focused on the environmental impacts of dairy production systems, including greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, water use, and land use.
-Collaborate with the NMSU Dairy Extension interdisciplinary team including Dr. Corcoran’s algal cultivation ecology lab at NMSU campus to design experiments, collect data, and analyze findings.
2. Data Collection and Analysis:
-Conduct on-farm measurements (pilot projects in vermiculture and algal cultivation), laboratory analyses, and modeling to assess environmental parameters related to dairy production.
-Analyze data using statistical and computational tools to generate insights and actionable recommendations.
3. Publication and Dissemination:
-Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and public outreach events.
-Prepare technical reports and materials to communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
-Work closely with dairy producers, industry professionals, policymakers, and community groups to implement and assess sustainable practices.
-Provide scientific support and training to stakeholders to promote adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
5. Grant Writing and Project Management:
-Contribute to securing continued funding through grant proposals and collaborations with industry partners.
-Manage research projects, including budgets, timelines, and deliverables.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
1. A cover letter outlining research experience, interests, and career goals.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
4. Examples of relevant publications (optional).

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with climate-smart agriculture practices.
Experience with stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer.
Ability to manage large datasets and conduct field research.

Special Requirements of the Position
A Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal science and Production, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience in working with a wide variety of dairy production systems.
Demonstrated expertise in sustainable agriculture, life cycle assessment, or environmental/nutritional modeling.
Strong analytical, statistical, and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, Minitab, SPSS), including laboratory skills in this field (e.g. feed analysis, Elisa assays, cell culturing, animal observation techniques)
Proven track record of scientific writing. Proficiency in writing scientific reports.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Department Contact:  Robert Hagevoort, dairydoc@nmsu.edu, (575) 985-2292

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.