Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency: Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department: Vernon
Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate
Job Location: Vernon, Texas
Job Type: Staff
Job Description
Job Description Summary:
Asist the project leader (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.
Major/Essential Duties of Job:
Conduct research related to: i) development and evaluation of strategies for increasing resource use efficiency in irrigated and dryland cropping systems, ii) assessment of the impacts of regenerative agricultural practices such as pasture cropping, cover crops, conservation tillage, and integrated crop-livestock systems on water balances, soil health, ecosystem services and climate change mitigation potential at field and watershed scales, iii) development of irrigation decision support tools, and iv) use of Unpiloted Aerial Systems (UASs), Big Data and Artificial Intelligence programs, along with hydrologic/crop/ecosystem models, to suggest best management practices for increasing water use efficiency and improving soil and water quality. The candidate is also expected to assist in other ongoing research projects in the Agrohydrology program as needed.
Work in multi-disciplinary teams and assist in modeling, download and processing of future climate data, field experimental design, procurement of necessary field/laboratory equipment/supplies, conduct of experiments, and collection and analysis of research data including UAS images.
Prepare manuscripts for publication based on the modeling and field research. Assist in writing grant proposals through literature reviews, and collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary data.
Train technicians and graduate students in modeling, planning and conduct of research experiments, and data analysis techniques.
Participate in field days, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to present research findings to the consumers, growers, researchers, and policy makers as directed.
Install, maintain, and operate laboratory and field equipment as needed.
Occasional Duties:
Perform other duties as necessary
Required Education:
Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecosystem Science or closely related field at the time of appointment.
Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Strong hydrologic/water quality/crop/ecosystem modeling experience; good computer and statistical programming skills; experience in using GIS and remote sensing, and processing of future climate data; ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others; communicate fluently in English. Experience in carrying out complex and responsible assignments in support of research objectives as directed by the supervisor.
Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
Skills with the setup, instrumentation and maintenance of sensors and sensor networks; experience in operation of UASs and processing of UAS/satellite images.
Other requirements or other factors:
Willingness to work irregular hours and in sometimes adverse weather conditions. Willingness to transfer to other research projects that may be funded during the project duration. Occasional overnight travel will be required. Lifting 50 lbs or more. Other duties as needed.
Application materials:
Please combine the application materials including i) a cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum), ii) updated CV, and iii) 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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.
