Phd Agronomy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Contact: Christopher Cramer, 575-646-2657, cscramer@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Onion Breeding and Genetics Research Program at NMSU seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work on several research projects and manage the day-to-day operations of the program. Apply today and join our college!

Position Title: Post Doctoral

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 301400-PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 55,000

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: ** This is a 2 year appointment**
Supervise, direct, delegate, and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Oversee and/or conduct research. Assist in technical support for delegated projects. Create new opportunities by preparing and submitting new project proposals to national funding agencies. Perform related duties as required.
The Onion Breeding and Genetics Research Program seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work on several research projects and manage the day-to-day operations of the program. The research projects include evaluating onion cultivars for mechanical harvesting suitability; screening onion germplasm for resistance to Fusarium basal rot (FBR); understanding the genetic mechanisms of onion host plant resistance to FBR; high-throughput phenotyping of onion plant traits; and seed regeneration of short-day onion plant introduction accessions. In addition to these research projects, the researcher will manage the day-to-day operations of the research program, including growing onions for both bulb and seed production, managing physical and financial resources, and supervising student employees. The researcher will be involved in data collection, statistical analysis, manuscript generation, project reporting, and grant proposal submission. The researcher will work in both field and laboratory settings. The researcher will work under the collaborative leadership and direction of Christopher Cramer, PhD, Professor of Horticulture in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
Environment: Includes both field and laboratory settings. Field conditions can be hot, cold, dry, wet, and/or dirty depending upon the time of year and location. Working remotely is not available for the position.
Physical Effort: Position can require substantial physical effort. The position may require lifting heavy objects, standing or walking for long periods, and manual labor under hot, cold, rainy, dry, or dirty conditions.
Lifting requirements: Position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs or more.
Risk: Position will have some exposure to physical risk associated with sun exposure.

Required Education and Experience: 
Required Education:Doctorate degree in related field.; Required Experience:No previous work experience required.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Genetics, Crop Production, Plant Physiology, or Plant Pathology.
Experience with plant pathology, plant breeding, plant genetics, crop production, and statistical analysis.
Experience working in field and laboratory settings.
Experience with student supervision and management.
Computer knowledge and SAS programming skills.
Excellent writing and data presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to speak Spanish (moderate to fluent).
Ability to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid US driver's license.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.