Position Title: Research Scientist,Assc
Employee Classification: Research Scientist,Assc
College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED
Department: 470500-WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is looking for a Research Scientist Associate to support interdisciplinary research aimed at improving water resource management. This position will focus on hydrologic modeling, the dynamics and interactions between water, climate, and agriculture, and enhancing agricultural water resilience across New Mexico.
Classification Summary:
Independently employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of specialization to plan, design, and conduct research and present findings. Carries out novel or complex assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. May act in a liaison capacity with various department, divisions, and organizations.
Classification Standard Duties:
Designs and implements research protocols and projects; applies advanced analytical techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices in innovative research projects in field of specialty; develops statistical and observational models. Operates and maintains sophisticated equipment to conduct research, analyze data, and report research findings; may instruct others in use of equipment. Applies diversified knowledge of scientific research principles, practices, and protocols in research projects; may make recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a specialty area. Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects; teaches and advises on techniques. Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate students. Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international meetings. Prepares grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on sub-projects of complexities consistent with above criteria. May manage or oversee a research laboratory; may curate a research collection. Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:None.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, scientific, and/or mathematical concepts and theories in area of specialty. knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and management. Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols. Knowledge of research methodology, principles and procedures.;
SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in educating others in research methods and techniques in area of expertise.;
ABILITIES:Ability to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications. Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify research concepts and approaches to specific projects. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise. Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research. Ability to utilize and maintain advanced scientific equipment and facilities. Ability to utilize advanced analytical techniques and programs to develop scientific models.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is looking for a Research Scientist Associate to support interdisciplinary research aimed at improving water resource management. This position will focus on hydrologic modeling, the dynamics and interactions between water, climate, and agriculture, and enhancing agricultural water resilience across New Mexico.
The responsibilities of this role include integrating concepts of water management, resilience, and sustainability through hydrological modeling, system dynamics, and hydro-informatics. This work will support initiatives such as the Strategic Community Water Management Program, the Secure Water Future Project, and the Agricultural Water Resilience Program.
The selected candidate will contribute to project development, assessment, and evaluation; conduct statewide water budget analysis; facilitate data-driven decision-making; engage with communities and stakeholders; prepare technical reports; and author scientific publications to address long-term water challenges in arid and semi-arid regions.
This position will develop hydrologic and system dynamics models for community water systems and long-term supply-demand trends; conduct research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to scientific publications and conferences; support stakeholder engagement with communities, water managers, and tribal partners; prepare technical reports, visualizations, and datasets for water planning; compare water budgets across the Lower Rio Grande, San Joaquin, and Great Salt Lake regions; assess strategies for improved water management in the Lower Rio Grande, focusing on drought and climate change, and quantify the impacts of climate change on hydrology; evaluate agricultural water conservation practices and their impacts; develop metrics and frameworks for water assessment and project evaluation; coordinate with ranchers and farmers for water impact assessments; map project locations; contribute to program reporting and proposal development; and perform other related duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Water Science & Management; expertise in hydrological and system-dynamics modeling, hydro-informatics, and applied statistics; experience with water supply–demand analysis, groundwater–surface water interactions, and dynamic water budgets; strong background in agricultural technology, irrigation systems, and field monitoring; record of leading interdisciplinary research and publishing in high-impact journals; ability to convert scientific results into practical tools for stakeholders and policymakers; proficient in system-dynamics software, GIS, Python/R, and large-data processing; and strong collaboration and project-management skills.
Special Requirements of the Position
Must be able to obtain an NMSU driving permit within 30 days of employment; must be able to travel as needed to field sites, conferences, meetings, etc.; work onsite; work a standard schedule of hours between Monday and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (may change slightly depending on business needs).
Department Contact: MaryBeth Ewing, 575-646-4337; nmwrri@nmdu.edu
Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding
Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.