Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Temple, TX

18h

About The Position

The APEX/APIC/SWAT+ modeling group at Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a collaborative, high impact intercomparison project funded by the USDA and led by Columbia University. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a leading soil and water modeling team, focusing on advancing the science of biogeochemical process modeling—specifically related to carbon and nitrogen cycling (e.g., soil organic carbon and N2O fluxes) in U.S. agricultural lands. This role requires strong geospatial analytics and programming abilities to execute complex model intercomparison and scaling assessments. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to multiple high-impact publications and shape the future of agroecosystem modeling. This is a two-year position funded by grants, and availability is contingent on grant funding and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Geospatial Analytics, Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Modeling Expertise: background in environmental model application, calibration, and validation.
• Technical Skills: Strong scripting and/or programming skills in languages such as R, Python, and/or Fortran.
• Communication & Professionalism: Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and a proven ability to work effectively and professionally within a senior research team structure.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and an ability to independently address complex research challenges.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to work effectively within a structured research environment, including a willingness to follow established protocols and directives from project leadership.
• Demonstrate professionalism, collegiality, and respect for team hierarchy while supporting the project's collaborative goals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionally manage sensitive data or information as required by project agreements.
• Ability to maintain flexibility and adapt to evolving project needs, priorities, and timelines.
• Demonstrated reliability in meeting deadlines and managing multiple tasks in a dynamic academic/research environment.
• Proficiency in working in an interdisciplinary, and geographically distributed team.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally travel for project meetings, workshops, and/or stakeholder engagement activities as required by the project.
• Commitment to uphold research integrity and comply with institutional, grant, and data management policies.

Responsibilities

• Model Execution & Analysis: Conduct detailed APEX/EPIC/SWAT+ modeling activities at field, regional, and national scales, including scenario modeling and model scaling evaluation, following established protocols.
• Protocol and Data Contribution: Co-develop model intercomparison and data sharing protocols, and contribute expert knowledge and datasets for model inputs, calibration, and validation.
• Documentation and Reporting: Meticulously document data processing, model structure, and modeling approaches. Deliver all modeling outputs on time.
• Model Advancement: Provide critical feedback, improvements, or recommendations for model advancement based on the intercomparison outcomes.
• Collaboration and Engagement: Actively participate in regular check-in meetings, workshops, and engage with stakeholders.
• Scholarly Output: Collaborate on comprehensive analyses, presentations, and co-author multiple high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 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

What This Job Offers

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