Research Scientist Senior

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.