Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The successful candidate will conduct research to develop a new set of procedures to specify and analyze Bioretention Soil Media (BSM) for use in Department of Transportation installations. This role involves reviewing existing practices, protocols, and regulations, generating a summary of needs in characterization and composition of bioretention soil media, and determining appropriate sample preparation techniques based on in-field sampling from existing bioretention infrastructure. The incumbent will also provide recommendations on revised bioretention soil media specifications and testing procedures, and will lead the design, execution, analysis, and publication of this research. Additional opportunities will be available to engage with ongoing projects focused on soil health and sustainable water management in urban settings.

Requirements

• PhD in environmental sciences, soil sciences, civil and environmental engineering, or a closely related field awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• An academic record of excellence with proficiency in written expression.

Nice To Haves

• Field and laboratory experience, especially with the collection and analysis of soil samples and measurements of soil properties, including hydraulic conductivity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research to develop a new set of procedures to specify and analyze BSM for use in Department of Transportation installations.
• Review existing practices, protocols, and regulations.
• Generate a summary of needs in characterization and composition of bioretention soil media.
• Determine appropriate sample preparation techniques (e.g., bulk density) based on in-field sampling of media from existing bioretention infrastructure.
• Provide recommendations on revised bioretention soil media specifications and testing procedures.
• Lead the design, execution, analysis, and publication of this research.
• Engage with ongoing projects focused on soil health and sustainable water management in urban settings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees