Position Title: Research Asst,Sr

Employee Classification: Research Asst,Sr

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 303000-ENTOMOLOGY PLANT PATH AND WEED SCI

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Minimum $ 43,908.80, Commensurate with qualifications & experience.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Sciences invites you to apply for the position of Research Asst, Sr. Their mission is to provide instruction, research and service that focuses on managing pests in semi-arid ecosystems.

Classification Summary:
Performs senior-level professional research in support of a major research project. Acts as a project leader in directing and coordinating other research assistants and technicians. Supervises data collection, evaluation, and analysis. Assists faculty researchers or acts independently in the design of research projects, the development of methods and procedures, the preparation of research proposals, and the writing of research findings. Reports to faculty researcher or principal investigator.

Classification Standard Duties:
Acts as a project leader and directs the collection, processes, and assists in the compilation and verification of research data, samples, and/or specimens, following strict protocol and detailed instructions. Performs or assists with the execution of routine research protocol, such as interviewing, testing, and/or scientific procedures. Uses specialized analytical equipment, instrumentation, and/or statistical software, as specifically assigned, to assist with routine data analysis and interpretation, as appropriate to the position. Assists in the setup, operation, and maintenance of research equipment, instrumentation, and/or facilities, as specifically instructed. May travel to field research sites or other locations to collect and record data and/or samples, as appropriate to established study objectives and protocols. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.

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:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of research methods, laboratory procedures, terminology specific to the research field.; SKILLS:Skill in the use of computerized systems and databases.; ABILITIES:Ability to understand and follow basic scientific research protocol and procedure. Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
***ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT; CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING***

-Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field research on the ecology and epidemiology of soil borne oomycete/fungal and bacterial plant pathogens.
-Media preparation; isolation, maintenance, and identification of microorganisms using classical and molecular tools; plant inoculation; planning greenhouse and field experiments; disease surveys, histological preparations, data collection and analysis.
- Supervision of student employees.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Soum Sanogo, 575-646-3577, ssanogo@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external 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 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 handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.