Research Scientist Associate

• 503902
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Aug 13 2026 - 23:55 MDT
  
  

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Department Contact: Kathryn Hanley, 646-4583, khanley@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Hanley lab in the Department of Biology at NMSU seeks a Research Scientist (level I) to organize, coordinate, and lead statewide surveillance of mosquito vectors to detect and monitor arthropod-borne viral pathogens of public health importance in New Mexico. The minimum qualifications for this position include a B.S. in a biology-related field and experience in vector identification and surveillance; preferred qualifications include an MS in a biology-related field with experience in vector identification and surveillance, academic knowledge of virology and research ethics, and facility in molecular biology and statistical analysis. Review of applications will commence August 5, 2026.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist Associate

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330350-BIOLOGY

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:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate statewide mosquito surveillance activities to monitor vector abundance, distribution, and seasonality.
• Design and implement field sampling protocols using a variety of mosquito trapping methods across diverse ecological regions.
• Identify mosquito specimens to species using morphological keys and molecular methods, as appropriate.
• Coordinate laboratory testing of mosquito pools for arboviral pathogens, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Western equine encephalitis virus, and other emerging vector-borne pathogens.
• Maintain quality assurance and quality control procedures for field, laboratory, and data management activities.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for surveillance, specimen processing, laboratory testing, and data reporting.
• Analyze surveillance data using statistical and geospatial methods to identify trends, assess disease risk, and support public health decision-making.
• Manage surveillance databases and ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting of field and laboratory data.
• Prepare technical reports, surveillance summaries, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for state agencies, funding organizations, and scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal public health agencies, mosquito control programs, and academic partners to coordinate surveillance and response activities.
• Provide technical expertise and recommendations regarding mosquito surveillance, vector ecology, and arboviral disease prevention.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate research technicians, student employees, interns, and temporary field personnel.
• Coordinate field logistics, including surveillance schedules, equipment maintenance, vehicle use, and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations governing laboratory safety, biosafety, field operations, and environmental stewardship.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and field sampling equipment and oversee procurement of supplies and materials.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of research grants, contracts, budgets, and progress reports.
• Develop collaborative research initiatives that advance understanding of mosquito ecology, vector competence, and emerging vector-borne diseases.
• Participate in emergency vector surveillance and outbreak investigations during periods of elevated arboviral activity.
• Present surveillance findings and research results to scientific audiences, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Support Extension and public outreach activities related to mosquito biology, vector-borne disease prevention, and integrated mosquito management.
• Stay current with advances in vector biology, epidemiology, surveillance technologies, and laboratory diagnostic methods through continuing education and professional development.
• Perform other research, service, and administrative duties as assigned in support of the university's research mission.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

B.S. in a biology-related field, with experience in vector identification and surveillance

or

MS in a biology-related field with experience in vector identification and surveillance, academic knowledge of virology and research ethics, and facility in molecular biology and statistical analysis

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: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

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