Department Contact: Christopher Cramer, (575) 6462657 ,cscramer@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Onion Breeding and Genetics Research Program. The successful candidate will contribute to multiple research projects focused on improving onion production under organic growing conditions, including evaluating onion cultivars for yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases; conducting organic onion seed production; monitoring onion thrips populations; and identifying plant species that attract beneficial insects or repel pests.

Position Details

Position Title: Post Doctoral

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 301400-PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

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: ***This is a two year appointment***

***All applicants must fully complete every section of the online application. The application, not the resume, is the official record used to determine qualifications.
Current NMSU Employees: Include your complete NMSU employment history, regardless of length of service.***

The Onion Breeding and Genetics Research Program seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work on several research projects. The research projects include evaluating onion cultivars for yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases under organic production conditions; conducting organic seed production of short-day onion cultivars; monitoring thrips numbers in organic onion production fields; and evaluating plant species for their ability to attract and repel thrips and beneficial insect species. In addition to these research projects, the researcher will manage the day-to-day operations for these research projects, including growing onions for both bulb and seed production, managing physical and financial resources, and supervising student employees and mentoring graduate students associated with the projects. The researcher will be involved in data collection, statistical analysis, manuscript generation, project reporting, and grant proposal submission. The researcher will work in both field and laboratory settings. The researcher will work under the collaborative leadership and direction of Christopher Cramer, PhD, Professor of Horticulture in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; principles and practices of organization and administration; principles of supervision, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation; research techniques and designs; methodologies; data collection and analysis.

Skills in short- and long-range planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; public contact and relations; oral and written communication; literature reviews and compilation; material development for scientific and non-scientific audiences; grant writing and peer-reviewed publications; modification of existing models or development of new models. The applicant may be responsible for, but not limited to, addressing activities associated with the research project.

Ability to direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities; analyze and evaluate information; make presentations; work as a member of a team; write technical reports, conference presentation papers, peer-reviewed journal articles, and grant proposals.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Doctorate degree in a related field (crop production, entomology)

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Production, or Entomology.
Experience with crop production, entomology, and statistical analysis.
Experience working in field and laboratory settings.
Experience with student supervision and management.
Computer knowledge and statistical analysis skills.
Excellent writing and data presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to speak Spanish (moderate to fluent).
Ability to drive a motor vehicle and possession of a valid US driver’s license.

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 some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.