Postdoc Research Associate - Nutrient Recovery and Water Reuse

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct research on nutrient recovery and recycling from cattle feedlot lagoon water using biochar-, clay mineral-, and woodchip-based filtration systems. This work will focus on developing and evaluating sustainable nutrient recovery technologies that enhance nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium retention, reduce nutrient losses, and support circular agricultural systems. The Postdoctoral Researcher will design and carry out laboratory, greenhouse, and column studies to investigate adsorption, desorption, nutrient cycling, and nutrient transport processes within engineered sorbent systems. Responsibilities include characterizing lagoon water and sorbent materials (e.g., biochar, clay minerals, woodchips, and nutrient-enriched media) using chemical and spectroscopic techniques, evaluating nutrient recovery and release efficiencies, and assessing impacts on soil health, water quality, and environmental sustainability. This role also involves supporting the development and evaluation of proof-of-concept nutrient recovery systems for feedlot operations in collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders. The Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to work independently, contribute to interdisciplinary team efforts, mentor students as appropriate, and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and sponsor reports.

Requirements

• PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry/Biology.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in thermochemical conversion of biomass
• Experience with biochar analysis and utilization for slow-release fertilizer development, including sorption processes and mechanisms in various media
• Experience with nutrient recovery from animal manure using biochar and other sorptive media
• Understanding of soil-plant interactions in response to biochar application
• Experience in water quality research and environmental remediation

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out laboratory, greenhouse, and column studies to investigate adsorption, desorption, nutrient cycling, and nutrient transport processes within engineered sorbent systems.
• Characterize lagoon water and sorbent materials using chemical and spectroscopic techniques.
• Evaluate nutrient recovery and release efficiencies.
• Assess impacts on soil health, water quality, and environmental sustainability.
• Support the development and evaluation of proof-of-concept nutrient recovery systems for feedlot operations in collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders.
• Work independently and contribute to interdisciplinary team efforts.
• Mentor students as appropriate.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and sponsor reports.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• WorkFlex options for some positions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree