Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate conducts research independently and collaboratively, including reviewing and synthesizing literature, designing and conducting research to address identified knowledge gaps, and publishing findings. The associate also develops factsheets and other outreach materials and engages stakeholders through outreach activities.

The position is based at the USDA ARS OCPARC lab in El Reno, Oklahoma, with collaboration among ARS and Texas A&M scientists. Research focuses on regenerative conservation practices that promote soil health and agricultural sustainability in farmland and rangeland of the southern Great Plains. The role includes applied field research in grazed, periodically burned tallgrass prairie pastures and in pastures planted with annual cool- and warm-season forages, as well as stakeholder coordination and outreach.

The position is funded through grants or contracts. Continued employment depends on ongoing funding and satisfactory job performance.

Requirements

• PhD in ecology or a related field by the time of hiring.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Strong ability and skills for collaborative work.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to travel for fieldwork and meetings, sometimes outside regular working days or hours.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork under challenging weather conditions, such as heat.

Nice To Haves

• Significant research experience in the ecology and management of rangelands in the southern Great Plains.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience designing and conducting field-based rangeland studies.
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis and modeling using Google Earth Engine and R.
• Experience with meta-analysis and statistical analysis using R.
• Experience with regenerative conservation practices in rangelands and soil health assessment.
• Substantial experience and strong skills in vegetation and/or grazing studies in rangelands of the southern Great Plains.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research independently and collaboratively, including literature review and synthesis, research design and implementation, and publication of findings.
• Develop science syntheses of regenerative conservation practices that promote soil health and agricultural sustainability in farmland and rangeland of the southern Great Plains.
• Conduct applied field research in grazed tallgrass prairie pastures that are periodically burned and in pastures planted with annual cool- and warm-season forages.
• Coordinate communication with state and local NRCS staff so research questions reflect stakeholder needs.
• Develop factsheets and other outreach materials based on synthesis and research findings.
• Engage stakeholders through outreach activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and 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.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

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