Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M University System • Vernon, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will assist the project leader (Associate Professor/Geospatial Hydrologist) in research projects related to the development and evaluation of decision support tools for crop production in semi-arid regions under the current and future climate change scenarios.

Requirements

• Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Water Management and Hydrologic Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecosystem Science or closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Proven experience in independently executing complex and high-responsibility assignments in support of research objectives, under the direction of a supervisor.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrologic, water quality, crop, and ecosystem modeling.
• Strong computer and statistical programming skills, with proficiency in languages such as R and Python.
• Experience in GIS, remote sensing, and processing projected climate data.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, work collaboratively in team environments, and communicate fluently in English.

Nice To Haves

• Skills in the setup, instrumentation, and maintenance of sensors and sensor networks; experience in applying machine learning models and processing imagery from UAS and satellite platforms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research in the following areas: i) assess the long-term effects of changes in land use (e.g., row crops to perennial forages) and management practices (e.g., grazing) on soil health indicators, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation, ii) evaluate the long-term impacts of using treated produced water for regenerative crop production on water catchment functions, soil carbon sequestration, soil health indicators, and climate resiliency.
• The candidate is also expected to contribute to ongoing research projects focused on identifying alternative field and forage crops, assessing crop transition strategies, and developing and evaluating efficient irrigation strategies/decision support tools, as needed.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and contribute to various research activities, including ecosystem modeling; downloading and processing projected future climate data; designing and conducting field experiments; procuring necessary field and laboratory equipment and supplies; and collecting and analyzing research data, including imagery from unpiloted aerial systems (UAS).
• Prepare research manuscripts for publication based on modeling and fieldwork results.
• Assist in the development of grant proposals by conducting literature reviews and contributing to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary data.
• Train technicians and graduate students in modeling, research planning, execution of research experiments, and data analysis techniques.
• Participate in field days, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to present research findings to consumers, growers, researchers, and policy makers, as directed.
• Install, maintain, and operate laboratory and field equipment, as required.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

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
• Retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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