Research Scientist 1 - Sevilleta - req# 24628 - University of New Mexico

The Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program at the University of New Mexico is seeking to fill a position at the level of Research Scientist I. This position has a large field ecology component and requires the ability to live for extended periods at the Sevilleta Field Station near Socorro, New Mexico, during spring and fall data collection periods (up to five non-consecutive months per year) and to drive a field vehicle.

The primary responsibility of this research technician position is to work with other scientists to collect and manage data for long-term, field-based research projects. The majority of these projects focus on plant ecology, but we also run monthly bee trapping and small mammal trapping during March - October. Thus, the successful candidate will have excellent plant identification skills, data collection and management skills, the ability to hike long distances in a desert environment carrying field equipment.

Botanical expertise and experience with vegetation sampling methods are especially preferred because this is the bulk of the field work hours. The ability to work with small mammals, to identify, pin, and collect bees, or to maintain experimental field infrastructure and sensors would make the candidate exception for this position.

For small mammal projects, the ability to wear a half-face respirator is necessary. We are also looking for candidates with experience with data management for large datasets and with data analysis. The use of Excel, R statistical software, and/or additional software packages, is preferred.

This is a term position (two-year appointment) with renewal available, but contingent upon performance and funding.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

BS, or MS degree.

Familiarity with the flora of central New Mexico.

Experience with field botany and plant identification, including the use of dichotomous keys.

Experience with vegetation sampling methods, including line intercept and cover estimation using quadrats.

Experience with collection, keying, identification and pinning of insect (especially bee) specimens.

Experience with the handling and/or trapping of small mammals.

Experience ensuring the quality and integrity of long-term data sets.

Experience using excel and statistical software (ideally R programming language)

Experience with independent research in biology, including statistical analysis and experimental design.

Experience with maintenance of experimental field infrastructure (e.g., rainfall experiments) and/or sensors (CO2, soil moisture, soil temperature, drones).

Experience with GIS and spatial data processing and analysis.

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

The University of New Mexico has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for UNM students and employees. For detailed information, visit https://bringbackthepack.unm.edu/vaccine/vaccine-requirement.html

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.