Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Vernon

Proposed minimum salary: Commensurate

Job location: Vernon, Texas

Job type: Staff

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Position Information

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist the project leader (Dr. Srinivasulu Ale, Professor of Agrohydrology) in research projects related to the development and evaluation of climate resilient, regenerative agricultural practices and strategies for conserving soil and water, enhancing crop water productivity, and protecting soil and water quality in diverse agroecosystems.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in the following areas: i) Evaluate the impacts of regenerative agricultural practices on water catchment functions, soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics, soil health, ecosystem services, and climate resiliency of crop and grassland systems, ii) Assess the effects of changes in climate, land use, and management practices on hydrology, as well as soil and water quality. The candidate is also expected to contribute to ongoing research projects focused on developing and evaluating efficient irrigation strategies, decision support tools, and identifying climate-resilient, water-use efficient field and forage crops.
• Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams and contribute to various research activities, including ecosystem modeling; downloading and processing projected future climate data; designing field experiments; procuring necessary field and laboratory equipment and supplies; conducting experiments; and collecting and analyzing research data, including imagery from unpiloted aerial systems (UAS).
• Prepare research manuscripts for publication based on modeling and fieldwork results. Assist in the development of grant proposals by conducting literature reviews and contributing to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary data.
• Train technicians and graduate students in modeling, research planning, execution of research experiments, and data analysis techniques.
• Participate in field days, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to present research findings to consumers, growers, researchers, and policy makers, as directed.
• Install, maintain, and operate laboratory and field equipment, as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecosystem Science or closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Proven experience in independently executing complex and high-responsibility assignments in support of research objectives, under the direction of a supervisor.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrologic, water quality, crop, and ecosystem modeling.
• Strong computer and statistical programming skills, with proficiency in languages such as R and Python.
• Experience in GIS, remote sensing, and processing projected climate data.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, work collaboratively in team environments, and communicate fluently in English.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skills in the setup, instrumentation, and maintenance of sensors and sensor networks; experience in applying machine learning models and processing imagery from UAS and satellite platforms.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to work irregular hours and in occasionally adverse weather conditions.
• Flexible and open to reassignment to other funded research projects during the project duration.
• Must be able to travel overnight as needed and lift or move heavy items such as 50 lbs. or more.

What You Need to Know

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Please combine application materials such as:

• a cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum)
• an updated CV
• a list of three references

into a single PDF document and upload it.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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