Position Title: Research Scientist,Sr

Employee Classification: Research Scientist,Sr

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311000-EXTENSN ANIMAL RESOURCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): NMSU Ag Science Center at Clovis, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Researcher to join our team to work on various environmental sustainability projects in large SW dairy production systems.

Classification Summary:
As an individual researcher or consultant, serves as a recognized leader and authority in a broad area of research or in a narrow but advanced and uniquely specialized field. Makes authoritative decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive scientific research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance.

Classification Standard Duties:
Develops model concepts and approaches as an individual researcher and acts independently on technical matters. Makes authoritative decisions and recommendations that have a major impact on extensive scientific research activities and result in national and/or international recognition. Exercises a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding extensive research programs and activities of outstanding novelty and/or importance. Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates scientific research assignments concerned with unique or controversial problems. 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 on single or multiple projects of complexity and scope consistent with above criteria, and/or manages a research unit. 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:Doctorate degree in related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience directly 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 scientific approach and methodologies. Knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols. Knowledge of management principles and practices.; SKILLS:Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.; ABILITIES:Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research. Ability to design, organize, and coordinate scientific and/or engineering research projects. Ability to use independent judgment to develop model concepts and approaches for research. Ability to plan, develop, and manage highly influential and/or groundbreaking research projects in area of expertise. Ability to conduct systematic analysis and develop solutions to complex scientific and/or engineering problems. Ability to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications. Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This is a one year appointment. May be extended based on continued funding.
Position is located at NMSU Agricultural Center located in Clovis, New Mexico

1. Research Design and Implementation:
-Conduct current and new research projects focused on the environmental impacts of dairy production systems, including greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient management, water use, and land use.
-Collaborate with the NMSU Dairy Extension interdisciplinary team including Dr. Corcoran’s algal cultivation ecology lab at NMSU campus to design experiments, collect data, and analyze findings.
2. Data Collection and Analysis:
-Conduct on-farm measurements (pilot projects in vermiculture and algal cultivation), laboratory analyses, and modeling to assess environmental parameters related to dairy production.
-Analyze data using statistical and computational tools to generate insights and actionable recommendations.
3. Publication and Dissemination:
-Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and public outreach events.
-Prepare technical reports and materials to communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
-Work closely with dairy producers, industry professionals, policymakers, and community groups to implement and assess sustainable practices.
-Provide scientific support and training to stakeholders to promote adoption of environmentally friendly practices.
5. Grant Writing and Project Management:
-Contribute to securing continued funding through grant proposals and collaborations with industry partners.
-Manage research projects, including budgets, timelines, and deliverables.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
1. A cover letter outlining research experience, interests, and career goals.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
4. Examples of relevant publications (optional).

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with climate-smart agriculture practices.
Experience with stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer.
Ability to manage large datasets and conduct field research.

Special Requirements of the Position
A Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal science and Production, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience in working with a wide variety of dairy production systems.
Demonstrated expertise in sustainable agriculture, life cycle assessment, or environmental/nutritional modeling.
Strong analytical, statistical, and programming skills (e.g., R, Python, Minitab, SPSS), including laboratory skills in this field (e.g. feed analysis, Elisa assays, cell culturing, animal observation techniques)
Proven track record of scientific writing. Proficiency in writing scientific reports.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Department Contact:  Robert Hagevoort, dairydoc@nmsu.edu, (575) 985-2292

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

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 is normally performed in a typical interior/office work 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: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.