Sr Research Scientist 3 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Sr Research Scientist 3Requisition ID req38230
Working Title Sr Research Scientist 3
Position Grade 16
Position Summary

The Center for Development and Disability (CDD), established in 1990, is New Mexico's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. These centers, authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, build the capacities of states and communities to respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

This position is for an independent researcher with an established track record of leading research efforts in public health, disability, and maternal-child/early child health that are community-based and reflect knowledge traditional research approaches as well as implementation science. This role will serve as a key leader at the UNM Center for Development and Disability (CDD) and will be responsible for developing and implementing the CDDs strategic research agenda and unit with creativity, novelty, evidence of planning/implementation capacity, and clear expertise in the content areas named above in order to establish national/international recognition for quality and impact. This position is sought at a critical time as the CDD has grown markedly in the past 5 years and the Centers readiness to expand our research footprint is established, but requires a dedicated leader to develop and guide our methods and overall strategy. This position requires grant-writing skills, experience as a principal investigator on research grants, and the ability to bring technical skills that include research design, data/statistical analysis, and the ability to lead and manage a research unit within the CDD. This position will also supervise other research, data and dissemination staff at the CDD.

Distinguishing Characteristics for this role are :

The ability to provide broad leadership and direction to establish and implement a multifaceted and advanced research program at the UNM Center for Development and Disability.

Independently and creatively develop and extend the platform for meaningful, complex and rigorous research at the UNM CDD.

Demonstrate the capacity for independent scientific decision-making and reputation as a recognized authority in public health, disability, and/or maternal-child/Early Childhood research.

Demonstrated capacity as a principal investigator establishing the direction, scope, and funding base for an integrated group of research project.

The ability to provide technical, organizational, and administrative management of the Centers research/investigative operations and team.

Demonstrated capacity for collaboration, rigorous representation, and authoritative professional leadership with the public health, disability and/or maternal-child/early childhood fields.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• National certification specific to the field of research may be required in some cases.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree; at least 9 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

***Address in your cover letter how your experience and skills align with our preferred qualifications***

Demonstrated independent experience as senior research leader with expertise in the areas of public health, disability, and/or maternal-child/early childhood health , including broad leadership in establishing/implementing an advanced, multifaceted research program.

Demonstrated capacity and technical skills to develop research grants/methodology and successfully obtain funding from a variety of sources; skills and experience as a PI who has repeatedly and successfully developed and implemented community-based research projects aligned with the CDDs core areas of expertise and sustained funding for these efforts over time.

Significant experience analyzing data, preparing manuscripts, and presenting research findings at local, national and/or international meetings.

Experience leading a community-based research team successfully, including mentoring/supervising more junior researchers and other relevant research team members to grow the research capacity of the CDD over time.

Additional Requirements
Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department Pediatrics Center for Development (997H)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Term - Full-Time
Term End Date 06/30/2027
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly: $7,084.13 - $10,140.00
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
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 10/19/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive No
Eligible for Remote Work No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

To Be Considered for This Position, Please Submit the Following:
Completed Application: Include all relevant work experience and clearly note the number of hours worked per week for each position.
Current Rsum: Your rsum should include three professional references, preferably current and/or former supervisors.
Cover Letter: Please address how your experience and skills align with our preferred qualifications.
Note: Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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.