Research Scientist

Overview

The FOR-NM Project (Forest Research for New Mexico Water and Carbon Management) seeks applications for a Research Scientist 3 position with a focus on data management. We are looking for a motivated and organized person with a background (MS degree preferred) in ecology, data analytics, remote sensing, GIS, and/or hydrology to join our team. This multi-institutional research program spans five institutions across the state of New Mexico including collaboration with Sandia National Laboratory.

The project aims to improve management of New Mexico’s forested watersheds by addressing key gaps in understanding of water and carbon dynamics in relation to forest management. The position based at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM offers partial but not fully remote work options for exceptional candidates. The position will start as soon as possible and will be hired on a 1-year contract, with the expectation of renewal for additional years pending satisfactory performance.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Collate and manage data with version-controlled programmatic workflows in R and/or Python, including large volumes of high-frequency sensor data and model outputs.
• Work with investigators to design and deliver data products to open access repositories.
• Train participants to track and quality control data.
• Participate in field work as approximately 15% of duties is strongly desired.
• Work with environmental sensor data and geospatial data, including remote sensing products.

• Bachelor’s degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degrees from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

• Masters in ecology, data analytics, remote sensing, GIS, hydrology, or closely related field
• Experience with large datasets
• Experience collaborating with a team of scientists across multiple institutions
• Experience with numerical modeling, remote sensing, and/or environmental sensors
• Excellent English verbal communication skills
• Experience with programming in R and/or Python, and collaborative version-controlled workflows including Git and/or Jupyter Notebooks
• Experience developing data processing pipelines using R and/or Python

• Post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check; additional health screenings may be required as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

• Campus
  :
  Main - Albuquerque, NM
• Department
  : AS Biology General Administrative (048F)
• Employment Type
  :
  Staff
• Staff Type
  :
  Term - Full-Time
• Term End Date
  : 1 year from start date
• Status
  :
  Exempt
• Pay
  :
  Monthly: $4,36.27 - $5,950.53
• Benefits Eligible
  :
  This is a benefits eligible position.
• ERB Statement
  :
  As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
• Background Check Required
  :
  Yes
• For Best Consideration Date
  : 11/5/2025
• Eligible for Remote Work
  :
  Yes
• Eligible for Remote Work Statement
  :
  This position is eligible for a remote work agreement (RWA), to include Hybrid.
• Application Instructions
  :
  Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If viewing on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Submit a resume and cover letter with the UNMJobs application.

Legal notices

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.