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Research Scientist II

  • 504257
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
  • Staff
  • Staff Full-time
  • Closing at: Nov 20 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact: Niall Hanan, (575)646-3335, nhanan@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

 

Advertising Summary: New Mexico State University’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist II to develop and contribute to a research program focused on the use of satellite LiDAR, radar, and optical remote sensing technologies to study forest vegetation structure, ecosystem function, and hydrological processes. The research will primarily focus on the southwestern United States, with opportunities to apply innovative approaches at regional and global scales.

 

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist II

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 301400-PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

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: ***All applicants must fully complete every section of the online application. The application, not the resume, is the official record used to determine qualifications.

Current NMSU Employees: Include your complete NMSU employment history, regardless of length of service.***

***THIS IS A TWO YEAR APPOINTMENT***

The Research Scientist will develop a research program focusing on global remote sensing of forest vegetation structure, ecosystem and hydrological function using satellite LiDAR and radar remote sensing coupled with field measurements. The position will focus on the southwestern USA with potential to apply similar techniques globally. The successful candidate will be a critical team-member for this research program, focused on vegetation analysis, ecosystem function, vertical and horizontal structural retrievals using orbiting LiDAR, with complementary radar and optical remote sensing data. They will have experience using LiDAR, optical and radar remote sensing, and advanced HPC/cloud computing to test and develop new models for retrieval of vegetation biomass, structure and relationships to hydrological and ecosystem functions. The incumbent must have well-developed skills in data analysis, visualization and synthesis of regional and global earth observation data for vegetation retrievals, familiarity with remote sensing and geospatial analysis focused on use of LiDAR and radar data for forest monitoring. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working at large spatial scales using a combination of both fine and coarse resolution remote sensing, an ability to mentor students and develop strong collaborative networks. Preference will be given to candidates with excellent science communication skills (written and oral) and understanding of data-providers and stakeholders in national and regional, governmental and non-governmental, forestry and environmental agencies with interests in forest production, ecosystem function and regional hydrology. The incumbent will be expected to contribute scientific and data publications and collaborate on external research proposals.

 

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 9 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 7 years of relevant experience. Master's degree or higher preferred.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Doctorate Degree Preferred

Special Certification/Licensure: 

 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is performed in an interior medical/clinical environment.

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

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures. 

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance. 

Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request

Apply now!

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