Director, Physical Science Laboratory

New Mexico State University (NMSU), a Minority-Serving, Hispanic-Serving, land grant, and space grant institution, seeks an experienced, creative, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL). The Director will join NMSU and the PSL at a pivotal moment, as the laboratory—founded in 1946 to support U.S. military telemetry and missile systems—seeks a new leader to guide it into its next chapter after NMSU recently welcomed a visionary, new President, Dr. Valerio Ferme, and celebrates its new Carnegie-designated R1 status.

NMSU is one of the most diverse land-grant universities in the nation, situated near the Mexican border on the Central and Latin American corridor. Rooted in its dedication to mobility, justice, and transformation, the university embodies this commitment in its geographical context. In addition to its main campus in Las Cruces, the institution includes community colleges across the state, cooperative extension offices in New Mexico's 33 counties, 12 agriculture research and science centers, and an expanding distance education program through NMSU Global. NMSU’s portfolio includes over 1,000 externally funded research projects, and annual research expenditures of over $128.1 million. 

The incoming Director of the PSL will play a critical role as a strategic and collaborative leader, tasked with creating a unifying vision and strategy that aligns the lab’s objectives with NMSU’s mission and strategic planning. The Director role is a dynamic position involving expanding the research portfolio, ensuring financial stability and sustainability, and championing the PSL to external audiences while fostering collaboration across government, academia, and industry. The Director will strengthen internal partnerships within the university, cultivate a high-performing team, and support workforce development initiatives aimed at preparing classified-ready professionals. By driving interdisciplinary research and community engagement, the Director will ensure that the PSL remains a vital resource for addressing critical societal challenges and contributing to economic development.  

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes/CVs with cover letters should be sent electronically below.

Lindsay Gold is leading this search with Courtney Cabansag.