MS (possibly Ph.D.) Research Assistant in Weed Science

Description of Duties

Project Summary: We have demonstrated that electric mulch is capable of controlling weeds at small scales. This project will develop and test higher power electric mulch for larger scale weed control. Effects of electric mulch on weeds, crops, and the soil microbial community will also be assessed.

Research will be under the direction of Dr. Erik Lehnhoff (https://eppws.nmsu.edu/faculty-staff/faculty.html). The successful candidate will work within the Departments of Entomology, Plant Pathology & Weed Science (https://eppws.nmsu.edu/) and will have the opportunity to work with a diversity of weed scientists, soil scientists, and agronomists.

Basic qualifications: BS or MS degree in weed science, agronomy, soil science, plant ecology or a closely related field; good oral and written communication; experience with field work; a willingness to occasionally work in inclement weather including extreme heat.

Preferred qualifications: Strong quantitative skills and a demonstrated ability to perform independent field research.

Type of position

Graduate Research Assistant

Salary

$28,385 for 2 years for MS. $29,041 for 3.5 years for Ph.D.

Benefits

Tuition and health insurance will be covered.

Location

Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88011-4901,

Closing Date

03/22/2026

Date Position Available

15/05/2026
Graduate research assistant working in weed science at New Mexico State University, focusing on herbicide resistance and weed management strategies.
New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University is New Mexico’s land-grant and a Carnegie R1 institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. As the #1 National University in New Mexico we offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures. https://nmsu.edu/ The Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science department is a multi-disciplinary group of scientists and teachers whose mission is to provide academic instruction, research and service that focuses on managing harmful organisms and conserving beneficial species in semi-arid ecosystems. The department’s integrated and applied biology approach emphasizes problem-solving in its teaching and research to address current and emerging issues in plant and animal health and protection, using tools from molecular to landscape scales. The strength of the department is the interaction of these disciplines in understanding the biology of pest organisms, their interactions, and how harmful and beneficial species impact urban, agricultural and natural resources. https://eppws.nmsu.edu/