Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M • Uvalde, TX

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts research on monitoring and modeling evapotranspiration (ET) and irrigation management for field and high-value crops, including cotton, spinach, onions, and corn. Research is performed in a team environment and uses ET and soil-moisture sensors and computer modeling tools to predict crop ET under field conditions.

The role includes conducting crop ET monitoring research with eddy covariance ET sensors and crop root-zone soil-moisture sensors; applying crop-modeling knowledge and sensor-data telemetry to irrigation-management projects; analyzing data and preparing results for peer-reviewed publications; planning and installing field equipment and sensors; documenting and analyzing seasonal crop water use with web-based ET modules; and collecting and organizing samples for plant-growth and biochemical analysis. The associate also documents data and metadata, participates in field activities, travels to research and conference sites as needed, mentors student researchers, and prepares presentations and technical progress reports.

This is a one-year grant- or contract-funded position. Continued employment depends on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications.

Requirements

• PhD in crop physiology, ecology, hydrology, or agricultural engineering.
• Strong ability to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, handle scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and write scientific reports.
• Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, and staff.
• Valid driver’s license for independent travel to field sites, growers’ farms, and conference locations.
• Ability to work beyond normal business hours and/or on weekends.
• Ability to lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct crop evapotranspiration monitoring research using eddy covariance ET sensors and crop root-zone soil-moisture sensors.
• Use crop-modeling knowledge and sensor-data telemetry to conduct irrigation-management research in cotton, spinach, onions, and corn.
• Analyze data and summarize results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Plan and install equipment and sensors to monitor ET and soil-water content under field conditions.
• Use web-based ET modules to document and analyze seasonal crop water use.
• Prepare, collect, and organize samples for plant-growth and related biochemical analyses.
• Compile complete documentation of data and metadata, including computer and mathematical models used in data analysis.
• Participate in field activities, including planting, weeding, irrigating, and harvesting experimental plots.
• Travel independently or with a group to field plots, growers’ farms, and conference locations in Texas and other states when necessary.
• Assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and graduate students working on related research.
• Prepare presentations for research and extension field days and professional conferences.
• Prepare required technical progress reports for research sponsors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Dental insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Vision insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Life insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• Long-term disability insurance, with AgriLife contributing to premiums.
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours per month of sick leave.
• At least 8 hours per month of vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

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