Research Scientist Senior
- 503975
- Remote Locations, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Sep 7 2026 - 23:55 MDT
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 systems modelling.
Position Details
Position Title: Research Scientist Senior
College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station
Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS
Location: Remote
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***
Diagnose limitations and uncertainties in current RAP production estimates, with a focus on rangeland systems. Evaluate production algorithm assumptions, inputs, and parameterizations to better represent ecosystem processes in water limited environments. Integrate field observations, flux tower data, and remote sensing products to develop improved plant production models. Consider uncertainty in RAP and how to incorporate it into decision making. Develop applications of RAP production data to grazing management. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of ecologists, remote sensing scientists, and land managers. Communicate findings through peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
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:
• PhD in Biology, Ecology, Rangeland Science, or related fields.
• Experience with satellite-based remote sensing products.
• Familiarity with plant production modelling, eddy flux data, or earth systems modelling.
• Experience conducting of innovative, independent research.
• Experience leading publication and presentation of research results in quality journals/conferences in the areas of vegetation production, rangeland management, and/or remote sensing.
• Experience working with ranchers and land managers to apply remote sensing tools to land management.
• Extensive experience developing operational data products developed based on remote sensing.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Fluent and familiar with one or more of the following programming languages: Java, Javascript, Python.
• Work experience with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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