Research Scientist Senior

NMSU; New Mexico; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NMSU Jornada Experimental Range is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to advance estimates of primary production in our rangeland ecosystems. You will lead improvements to the RAP production model, MOD17 algorithm, and the integration of field observations and eddy flux data, with emphasis on remote sensing and earth system modeling.

The role involves developing automated data workflows, applying machine learning to phenology classification, and enabling web-based access to harmonized climate

Qualifications

• Associate's degree with 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's with 9 years.
• Master's degree or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Appointment is for one year and contingent on external funding.
• Develop and maintain automated QA/QC and data processing for streaming data from the Jornada Experimental Range, including Phenocams, eddy covariance towers, wind instruments, and weather stations.
• Integrate multiple sources of climate data into a single database and make harmonized data available to users through web applications.
• Implement machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of plant phenological classification, ecological state mapping, and estimation of forage production.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

Job description

Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Jornada Experimental Range is seeking applicants for a senior Research Scientist with a focus on advancing 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 also opportunities to explore applications of the RAP production data to grazing management. This position offers substantial intellectual freedom and the opportunity to innovate at the intersection of rangeland ecology and management, remote sensing, and earth system modeling.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist Senior

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS

Location: Remote

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with Experience

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: *** ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT; CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL FUNDING***

The position will focus on computational agroecology with skills and expertise in software engineering and data science, as well as a demonstrated expertise in automated data collection and processing and machine learning in the context of rangeland ecosystems.

Duties include:

• Develop and maintain automated QA/QC and data processing for streaming data from the Jornada Experimental Range, including from Phenocams, eddy covariance towers, wind instruments, and weather stations.
• Integrate multiple sources of climate data into a single database and making harmonized data available to users through web applications.
• Implement machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of plant phenological classification, ecological state mapping, and estimation of forage production.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Associate's Degree + 11 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 9 years of relevant experience. Master's degree or higher preferred.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

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: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

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