Associate/Professor of Weed Science

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) seeks a 12-month Associate Professor or Professor faculty member to be stationed at the Clovis Agricultural Science Center located in Clovis, New Mexico.

About the Role

The successful candidate will develop an innovative, applied research program in weed science, agronomy, or a closely related discipline as it relates to integrated pest management in the semi-arid west. The position allocates 90% effort towards research and 10% towards teaching. Faculty members appointed as Research Coordinator will have a portion of their research effort reassigned to administrative responsibilities.

The successful candidate will develop a creative, collaborative, extramurally funded research program. Research areas could include but are not limited to:

• Weed management within drought-tolerant cropping systems
• Agronomic practices and water utilization
• Dryland and irrigated systems
• Rangeland invasive species management
• Crop rotation and alternative crops
• Dairy management and soil-plant-water relations
• Precision irrigation methods and soil/water conservation
• Interactions of nutrients and/or contaminants

The cropping systems in the eastern high plains of New Mexico include wheat, sorghum, canola, forages, and peanuts.

Responsibilities

Faculty Role

• Develop and maintain a nationally recognized program of scholarly activity in weed science, agronomy, and integrated pest management in semi-arid agricultural systems.
• Disseminate research findings through publications (peer-reviewed journals, technical reports) and presentations at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.
• Develop a sustainable, externally funded research program addressing critical challenges in agriculture and natural resource management in eastern New Mexico and the semi-arid western U.S.
• Pursue competitive grant opportunities from diverse sources and participate in collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Engage stakeholders through effective communication and outreach activities, translating research findings into practical applications.
• Collaborate with AES scientists, Cooperative Extension Service (CES) personnel, agricultural producers, commodity organizations, industry, and natural resource managers.
• Contribute to graduate education through recruitment, support, and mentorship of graduate students, serving on graduate committees, and engagement in disciplinary graduate programs.
• Teach online courses in their home department.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities commensurate with rank.

Leadership Role (Research Coordinator)

The position may include an opportunity to serve in a three-year renewable leadership appointment as Research Coordinator of the Clovis Agricultural Science Center. Responsibilities include:

• Facilitating research activities at the Science Center, including planning for seasonal field availability and resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Working closely with faculty, staff, and the farm manager to ensure efficient allocation and utilization of Center space.
• Fostering a collaborative culture that supports research excellence and effective outreach.
• Strengthening relationships with external stakeholders such as farmers, ranchers, commodity, and industry groups.
• Leading or facilitating outreach and engagement activities, including field days, workshops, demonstrations, and tours.
• Supporting educational outreach efforts to promote awareness of the Center, AES, and the College of ACES.
• Providing leadership in strategic planning and development of research priorities at the Center.
• Identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and facilitating partnerships among AES faculty, CES personnel, government agencies, commodity groups, and industry partners.
• Representing the Center at university, stakeholder, and professional meetings.
• Assisting the Director of AES in communicating Center accomplishments and identifying emerging research opportunities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, or a related plant science field.
• Post-graduate experience in conducting field research.
• Proven record of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong background in weed science, agronomy, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to conduct both independent and collaborative research.
• Ability to pursue competitive grant funding and meet the minimum qualifications for an NMSU graduate faculty appointment.

Qualifications

To be considered for the rank of Professor, candidates must demonstrate:

• A distinguished record of scholarly achievement.
• Sustained success in securing extramural funding.
• A national or international reputation in their discipline.
• Evidence of successful graduate student mentoring.
• Demonstrated leadership in collaborative research programs and professional service.

Preferred areas of expertise may include:

• Advanced ecological methods
• Digital agriculture, data science, or artificial intelligence
• Modeling or remote sensing
• Precision agriculture technologies
• Innovative approaches for investigating weed ecology, invasive species dynamics, and crop management systems

Working Conditions

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. No or very limited physical effort is required, with occasional handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. There is no or very limited exposure to physical risk.