Research Assistant III

• 503336
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: May 26 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Anowar Islam, 575-646-3406, [email protected]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist III to design, implement, and conduct greenhouse and field research trials, with emphasis on alfalfa and other forage crops.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Assistant III

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 3-year appointment.

Design, implement, and conduct greenhouse and field research trials, with emphasis on alfalfa and other forage crops. Plan and execute experimental protocols, including plant crossing, seed production techniques, and plot establishment. Collect, record, and manage research data, including field measurements and remote sensing imagery, ensuring accuracy and data integrity. Perform irrigation management, weed control, and application of pesticides and fertilizers for disease and pest management in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines. Support general farm and research station operations, including operation of farm machinery, field equipment, and routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. Travel to field research sites and Agricultural Science Centers as required to collect data and samples and to support ongoing research activities. Conduct data analysis and basic statistical evaluations to support research objectives and reporting. Supervise, coordinate, and train project personnel, students, or temporary staff, ensuring adherence to research protocols and timelines. Assist with project coordination and management, including scheduling, documentation, and monitoring progress toward project goals. Prepare written reports, summaries, and documentation to communicate research findings and support internal and external reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

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

Equivalent Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and familiarity in designing and conducting greenhouse and field research, especially in alfalfa and other forage crops. Knowledge, familiarity and/or experience in collecting data and remote sensing imagery data, crossing, seed production techniques, irrigation management, weed control, spraying for diseases and pests control, general farm operations, including farm machinery and field operations and basic maintenance and troubleshooting are desirable. Other experience is desirable, including travel to field research sites or Ag Science Centers to collect and record data and/or samples, data analysis/statistics, supervise and coordinate projects and project personnel, report

writing, and management.

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.

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

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.