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

Research Scientist 3Requisition ID req38172
Working Title Research Scientist 3
Position Grade 13
Position Summary The Webster Lab (https://websterlab.weebly.com/) and Litvak Lab (https://www.litvaklab.org/) at the University of New Mexico jointly seek applications for a Riparian Research Scientist 3. The position will support the establishment of a new research program studying carbon cycling in Rio Grande riparian forests as part of the Sevilleta Long Term Ecological Research Program (https://sevlter.unm.edu/).

The candidate will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of one tall (~30 m) eddy covariance tower and a network of instrumented groundwater wells. Responsibilities include installing, servicing and troubleshooting environmental sensors (above- and below-ground, terrestrial and aquatic), data management, data quality assurance, and contributing to ecological measurements and ecosystem studies.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• 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

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 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

• Comfortable working at height (willing to be tower-climb certified)
• Hands-on technical and problem-solving skills, particularly with sensors, wiring, data loggers, and solar power
• Self-motivated, team-oriented, and eager to learn
• Ready to work in the field under hot, dry, and muggy conditions
• Experience operating in rugged outdoor conditions
• Experience with groundwater monitoring
• Background in ecosystem ecology, hydrology, micrometeorology or environmental engineering

Additional Requirements
Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department AS Biology General Administrative (048F)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Term - Full-Time
Term End Date A year from start date
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly; $4277.87 - $5144.53
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 11/2/2026
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.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references with UNMJobs application.

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.