Research Scientist Senior
- 504250
- NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Nov 20 2026 - 23:55 MST
Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, slish@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: The Jornada Experimental Range is seeking applicants for a senior Research Scientist with a focus on advancing next generation estimates of primary production in rangeland ecosystems. The successful candidate will lead efforts to critically evaluate and improve components of the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) production model, including the MOD17 algorithm, field observations, and eddy flux data. There are also opportunities to explore applications of the RAP production data to grazing management. This position offers substantial intellectual freedom and the opportunity to innovate at the intersection of rangeland ecology and management, remote sensing, and earth system modeling.
Position Details
Position Title: Research Scientist Senior
College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station
Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS
Location: NMSU satellite location
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with Experience
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: *** ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT; CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL FUNDING***
The position will focus on computational agroecology with skills and expertise in software engineering and data science, as well as a demonstrated expertise in automated data collection and processing and machine learning in the context of rangeland ecosystems.
Duties include:
Develop and maintain automated QA/QC and data processing for streaming data from the Jornada Experimental Range, including from Phenocams, eddy covariance towers, wind instruments, and weather stations.
Integrate multiple sources of climate data into a single database and making harmonized data available to users through web applications.
Implement machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of plant phenological classification, ecological state mapping, and estimation of forage production.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Associate's Degree + 11 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 9 years of relevant experience. Master's degree or higher preferred.
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
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: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
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.
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
