Department Contact: Kathryn Hanley, 646-4583, khanley@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Hanley lab in the Department of Biology at NMSU seeks a Research Scientist (level I) to organize, coordinate, and lead statewide surveillance of mosquito vectors to detect and monitor arthropod-borne viral pathogens of public health importance in New Mexico. The minimum qualifications for this position include a B.S. in a biology-related field and experience in vector identification and surveillance; preferred qualifications include an MS in a biology-related field with experience in vector identification and surveillance, academic knowledge of virology and research ethics, and facility in molecular biology and statistical analysis. Review of applications will commence August 5, 2026.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist Associate

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330350-BIOLOGY

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

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

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

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

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: • Plan, organize, and coordinate statewide mosquito surveillance activities to monitor vector abundance, distribution, and seasonality.
• Design and implement field sampling protocols using a variety of mosquito trapping methods across diverse ecological regions.
• Identify mosquito specimens to species using morphological keys and molecular methods, as appropriate.
• Coordinate laboratory testing of mosquito pools for arboviral pathogens, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, and other emerging vector-borne pathogens.
• Maintain quality assurance and quality control procedures for field, laboratory, and data management activities.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for surveillance, specimen processing, laboratory testing, and data reporting.
• Analyze surveillance data using statistical and geospatial methods to identify trends, assess disease risk, and support public health decision-making.
• Manage surveillance databases and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting of field and laboratory data.
• Prepare technical reports, surveillance summaries, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for state agencies, funding organizations, and scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal public health agencies, mosquito control programs, and academic partners to coordinate surveillance and response activities.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations regarding mosquito surveillance, vector ecology, and arboviral disease prevention.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate research technicians, student employees, interns, and temporary field personnel.
• Coordinate field logistics, including surveillance schedules, equipment maintenance, vehicle use, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations governing laboratory safety, biosafety, field operations, and environmental stewardship.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and field sampling equipment and oversee procurement of supplies and materials.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of research grants, contracts, budgets, and progress reports.
• Develop collaborative research initiatives that advance understanding of mosquito ecology, vector competence, and emerging vector-borne diseases.
• Participate in emergency vector surveillance and outbreak investigations during periods of elevated arboviral activity.
• Present surveillance findings and research results to scientific audiences, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Support Extension and public outreach activities related to mosquito biology, vector-borne disease prevention, and integrated mosquito management.
• Stay current with advances in vector biology, epidemiology, surveillance technologies, and laboratory diagnostic methods through continuing education and professional development.
• Perform other research, service, and administrative duties as assigned in support of the university's research mission.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
B.S. in a biology-related field, with experience in vector identification and surveillance
or
MS in a biology-related field with experience in vector identification and surveillance, academic knowledge of virology and research ethics, and facility in molecular biology and statistical analysis

Special Certification/Licensure: 

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 heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.