Research Scientist Senior

Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, slish@nmsu.edu

This is a one-year, full-time, exempt position contingent upon external funding. Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

About the Role

The Jornada Experimental Range is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to advance 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 opportunities to explore applications of RAP production data to grazing management. This position offers substantial intellectual freedom and the chance to innovate at the intersection of rangeland ecology, remote sensing, and earth systems modeling.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose limitations and uncertainties in current RAP production estimates, focusing 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.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree plus 11 years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree plus 9 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Ecology, Rangeland Science, or related fields.
• Experience with satellite-based remote sensing products.
• Familiarity with plant production modeling, eddy flux data, or earth systems modeling.
• Experience conducting innovative, independent research.
• Experience leading publication and presentation of research results in quality journals/conferences in 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 based on remote sensing.
• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Fluency in one or more of the following programming languages: Java, JavaScript, Python.
• Work experience with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Working Conditions

• Moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Light physical effort, with no more than two hours per day of physical activity.
• Requires handling objects up to 25 pounds or standing/walking for more than four hours per day.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, requiring basic safety precautions.