Research Assistant Senior

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University seeks a Research Assistant Senior to conduct statewide mosquito surveillance, collect and process specimens, and perform molecular diagnostics. The role involves fieldwork across New Mexico, data management, and collaboration with researchers.

Preferred qualifications include an MS in biology with vector identification and virology knowledge, plus experience in molecular biology and statistics.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.
• MS in biology with vector identification experience; virology knowledge; molecular biology and statistics background.

Responsibilities

• Conduct statewide field surveillance for mosquitoes using established methods.
• Deploy, operate, and maintain mosquito traps and surveillance equipment.
• Collect, label, preserve, transport, and process mosquito specimens with proper chain-of-custody.
• Perform molecular diagnostics including PCR/RT‑PCR and related techniques.
• Maintain records and data in electronic databases; assist with reports and analyses.
• Provide training and supervision to student employees and coordinate field schedules.

Education

Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree

MS in biology with vector identification and surveillance experience; virology knowledge; molecular biology & statistics background

Job description

• 504011
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Post Doctoral
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Sep 9 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Kathy Hanley, [phone], [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Biology is seeking applicants for a Research Assistant III.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Assistant Senior

College/Division: Arts and Sciences College

Department: 330350-BIOLOGY

Location: Las Cruces

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)

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts statewide field surveillance for mosquitoes and other arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary importance using established collection methods and surveillance protocols.
• Deploys, operates, retrieves, cleans, and maintains mosquito traps and other vector surveillance equipment at designated field sites throughout New Mexico.
• Collects, labels, preserves, transports, and processes mosquito and other arthropod specimens in accordance with established protocols and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Records accurate field data, including collection location, date, trapping method, environmental conditions, specimen information, and other relevant surveillance variables.
• Identifies mosquitoes and other arthropod vectors to appropriate taxonomic levels using morphological identification keys, microscopy, and established identification procedures.
• Sorts, counts, and prepares mosquito specimens and pools for laboratory testing and long-term storage.
• Performs routine laboratory procedures for detection of vector-borne viruses and other pathogens, including specimen homogenization, nucleic acid extraction, PCR and RT-PCR, and related molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Prepares laboratory reagents, solutions, controls, specimens, and other materials required for vector and pathogen testing.
• Operates, calibrates, cleans, and performs routine maintenance of laboratory and field equipment according to established procedures and manufacturer specifications.
• Follows established quality‑assurance and quality‑control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of field, laboratory, and surveillance data.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of specimens, laboratory procedures, test results, equipment use, and other research and surveillance activities.
• Enters, reviews, validates, and maintains vector surveillance and laboratory testing data in electronic databases and other data‑management systems.
• Assists with organization, analysis, interpretation, and visualization of surveillance data, including preparation of tables, figures, maps, and summaries of vector abundance, distribution, seasonality, and pathogen detection.
• Compiles field and laboratory results and assists with preparation of surveillance reports, technical reports, research presentations, manuscripts, posters, and other scientific communications.
• Communicates surveillance findings, unusual observations, positive pathogen detections, data‑quality concerns, and technical problems to supervisory research personnel.
• Maintains inventories of field and laboratory supplies and assists with ordering, receiving, organizing, and maintaining materials required for surveillance activities.
• Follows established laboratory safety, biosafety, chemical safety, biological waste disposal, and field safety procedures and maintains required safety documentation.
• Assists with implementation of standardized surveillance protocols across multiple collection locations to promote consistency and comparability of statewide surveillance data.
• Coordinates field schedules, specimen processing, laboratory testing, and data entry activities to support timely completion of surveillance objectives.
• Provides technical assistance and instruction to student employees, temporary personnel, collaborators, and other individuals participating in established vector surveillance activities, as assigned.
• Travels to surveillance locations throughout New Mexico and performs fieldwork under variable environmental and weather conditions, including activities that may occur outside normal working hours when required by surveillance protocols.
• Maintains current knowledge of established methods and procedures relevant to mosquito surveillance, vector identification, molecular diagnostics, vector biology, and vector‑borne disease surveillance.
• Performs miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned in support of research and statewide vector and vector‑borne virus surveillance activities.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications: MS in a biology-related field with experience in vector identification and surveillance, academic knowledge of virology and research ethics, and facility in molecular biology and statistical analysis.

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 exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request