Postdoctoral Researcher

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM, USA 🇺🇸

Department Contact

Department Contact NameCarolina Mijares
Department Contact Phone575-646-7991
Department Contact Email

Posting Details

Requisition Number2100777S
Classification TitlePost Doctoral
Position Job TitlePostdoctoral Researcher
College/DivisionVice Pres Research
Department470500-Water Resources Research Institute
Position Number710364
Internal or External SearchExternal – Open to all applicants
Appointment Full-time Equivalency1.0
Reports To Position TitleProfessor
Target Hourly/Salary Rate48,000-60,000
Pay Level1F
Pay BaseSalary
Recruitment SummaryNew Mexico State University is a comprehensive land-grant institution of higher learning accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. An active research university, NMSU anchors the southern end of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Research Corridor, exceeding $140 million in research and public service expenditures. NMSU is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution by the federal government with a total minority enrollment over 48%. Home to the state’s NASA Space Grant Program, NMSU is located in Las Cruces, which features desert mesas, the farmlands of the Rio Grande Valley, and the Organ Mountains, an extension of the Rocky Mountain chain. The University is committed to building a cultural diverse educational environment.
Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe postdoctoral researcher will gain extensive experience working in a leadership capacity on NSF-funded projects and future proposals and collaborating with pioneer water, data, and systems scientists from renowned institutions such as the San Diego Supercomputer Center, System Dynamics Society, University of Bergen, and Sandia National Laboratories. The job duties and responsibilities of the postdoctoral researcher will be to conduct research and modeling supporting the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute in the following projects:

Lead system dynamics-related activities of an NSF-funded project (AccelNet), which aims to create a new international network of networks that connects U.S. and international networks of hydrology, social science, data science, and systems science to establish a novel transboundary groundwater resiliency research approach. Activities include: 1. developing an online course on the application of system dynamics for transboundary groundwater resiliency research, 2. conducting group model building workshops, and 3. acting as a liaison for the System Dynamics Society’s Water Special Interest Group.

Seek external funding through writing and submitting grant proposals.

Publish papers in peer-reviewed academic journals. Assist in the research training of graduate students associated with the Water Science and Management graduate degree program.

Note: The postdoc is responsible for performing duties in line with meeting NMSU LEADS 2025 strategic goals of enhancing student success & social mobility, elevating research & creativity, amplifying extension & outreach, and building a robust university system.
Classification SummaryAssist, instruct and function as a role model for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a relevant research program.
Classification Standard DutiesSupervise, direct, delegate and evaluate work of assigned staff. Oversee and/or conduct research. Assist in technical support for the delegated project. Create new opportunities by preparing and submitting new project proposals to national funding agencies. Perform related duties as required.
KnowledgeKnowledge 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.
SkillsSkills 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, assisting in technical and outreach support in the department and organizing outreach events and conferences addressing activities associated with the research project.
AbilitiesAbility 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.
Required EducationDoctorate degree in related field.
Required ExperienceNo previous work experience required.
EquivalencyNone
Preferred QualificationsPhD in a discipline related to system dynamics and hydrologic modeling such as data analytics, or informatics at an accredited institution of higher education. Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to hydrology, arid region issues, multi-disciplinary teamwork, network analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Required Certification/License
Special Requirements
Other Departmental RequirementsRequires valid driver’s license. Must be able to obtain an NMSU driving permit within three months of employment. Requires travel to field sites, presentations, etc. Must be able to travel out of state and overnight.  
Standard Work ScheduleStandard (M-F, 8-5)
If not a Standard Work Schedule, please describe
Physical Work Location StateNM-New Mexico
Physical Work Location County, if in New MexicoDA-Dona Ana
Work Site
Contingent Upon FundingContingent upon funding
Bargaining Unit Eligible Posting Announcement StatementThis is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Tenure TrackNo
Posting Date11/18/2021
Closing Date12/12/2021
Anticipated Job Begin Date (optional)01/03/2022
Anticipated Job End Date, if applicable (optional)
Open Until FilledNo
Special Instructions to ApplicantsPer Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, executive order 2021-045, state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning September 30, 2021, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing. 

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.
Quicklink for Postinghttps://jobs.nmsu.edu/postings/43926
EnvironmentWork is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical EffortNo or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting RequirementsRequires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
RiskNo or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Where did you become aware of this position opening?
    • NMSU Website
    • Las Cruces Sun News/El Paso Times
    • Albuquerque Journal
    • Chronicle of Higher Ed
    • New Mexico Department of Labor
    • Other (If other please answer next question)
  2. If you became aware of this posting from another source, please describe?(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
  3. Unofficial Transcripts (Undergraduate and Graduate Combined)

Optional Documents

  1. Other Document

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development