Research Assistant III

Department Contact: Anowar Islam, 575-646-3406, maislam@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist III to design, implement, and conduct greenhouse and field research trials, with emphasis on alfalfa and other forage crops.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Assistant III

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: ***This is a 3-year appointment.

Design, implement, and conduct greenhouse and field research trials, with emphasis on alfalfa and other forage crops. Plan and execute experimental protocols, including plant crossing, seed production techniques, and plot establishment. Collect, record, and manage research data, including field measurements and remote sensing imagery, ensuring accuracy and data integrity. Perform irrigation management, weed control, and application of pesticides and fertilizers for disease and pest management in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines. Support general farm and research station operations, including operation of farm machinery, field equipment, and routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Travel to field research sites and Agricultural Science Centers as required to collect data and samples and to support ongoing research activities. Conduct data analysis and basic statistical evaluations to support research objectives and reporting. Supervise, coordinate, and train project personnel, students, or temporary staff, ensuring adherence to research protocols and timelines. Assist with project coordination and management, including scheduling, documentation, and monitoring progress toward project goals. Prepare written reports, summaries, and documentation to communicate research findings and support internal and external reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Associate's Degree 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and familiarity in designing and conducting greenhouse and field research, especially in alfalfa and other forage crops. Knowledge, familiarity and/or experience in collecting data and remote sensing imagery data, crossing, seed production techniques, irrigation management, weed control, spraying for diseases and pests control, general farm operations, including farm machinery and field operations and basic maintenance and troubleshooting are desirable. Other experience is desirable, including travel to field research sites or Ag Science Centers to collect and record data and/or samples, data analysis/statistics, supervise and coordinate projects and project personnel, report
writing, and management.

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.