Position Title: Research Scientist,Assc

Employee Classification: Research Scientist,Assc

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317000-AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Agricultural Experiment Station

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  59,965.78

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The SCNWFP is the designated Official Seed Certifying Agency for the state of New Mexico in accordance with the New Mexico Seed Law. The agency is responsible for the promulgation of rules, regulations, and the standards for all certification of seed and other propagating materials in the state.

Classification Summary:
Independently employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization to plan, design, and conduct research and present findings. Carries out novel or complex assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. May act in a liaison capacity with various department, divisions, and organizations.

Classification Standard Duties:
Designs and implements research protocols and projects; applies advanced analytical techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices in innovative research projects in field of specialty; develops statistical and observational models. Operates and maintains sophisticated equipment to conduct research, analyze data, and report research findings; may instruct others in use of equipment. Applies diversified knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; may make recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area. Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; teaches and advises on techniques. Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate students. Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings. Prepares grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on sub-projects of complexities consistent with above criteria. May manage or oversee a research laboratory; may curate a research collection. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five(5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, scientific, and/or mathematical concepts and theories in area of specialty. knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols. Knowledge of research methodology, principles and procedures.; SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in educating others in research methods and techniques in area of expertise.; ABILITIES:Ability to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications. Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify research concepts and approaches to specific projects. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise. Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research. Ability to utilize and maintain advanced scientific equipment and facilities. Ability to utilize advanced analytical techniques and programs to develop scientific models.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This position will be responsible for designing, implementing and conducting research experiments related to propagating seed through lab, greenhouse and field. Collection and evaluation of seed data; Operates lab, greenhouse and field equipment to conduct research. Prepare scientific reports for peer reviewed scientific journals, extension publications, and other documents for publication. Reports research findings to growers/producers, stakeholder at local, national and international meetings and conferences. Collaborates with stakeholders/growers/producers and principal investigator on research design, implementation and organization.

Additionally, this position will conduct field site and seed storage facility inspections, responsible for the promulgation of rules, regulations, and the standards for all certification of seed and other propagating materials in the state. Ensures minimum variety standards or higher for certification of all crops within the NMSU Seed Certification manual. Frequent travel within New Mexico and out of state and overnight stays with little notice, during inspections is expected. Responsible for data collection, filling out inspection forms, recordkeeping and organization. Provide timely and necessary reports to the Seed Certification Program manager. Review seed standards as necessary and assist with any amendments. Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate students. Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in educating others in area of expertise. Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify approaches to specific projects. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise. Ability to develop and deliver presentations.

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Phillip Lujan, 575-646-1822, pl11@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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 involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.