Postdoctoral Researcher (PIER - Integrated Food-Energy-Water Systems)
About The Position
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead the design and testing of pilot-scale integrated FEW systems that model real-world climate and resource challenges. The position will combine expertise in the food-energy-water nexus and rising technologies, including green chemistry, renewable energy integration (e.g. bioenergy, agrivoltaics, and hydrogen), water resources, and precision agriculture to offer more viable and nationally aligned energy-transition opportunities, as well as environmental implications, supporting the broader mission of developing climate-resilient and socially responsible resource systems. The appointment is a one-year, full-time position in residence at Prairie View A&M University. The university retains the option to renew the appointment for a second year based on performance, research progress, and availability of funding. The maximum term is two years. This position is funded by restricted funds or a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of restricted or grant funds. The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Agricultural or Biological Systems Engineering, Hydrology, Chemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering or a related field (earned within the past three years).
- Demonstrated expertise in integrated systems design, renewable energy–water linkages, or precision irrigation technologies.
- Experience with data-driven modeling, sustainability assessment, or AI-enabled sensing systems.
- Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with pilot-scale field experiments and stakeholder engagement.
- Familiarity with analytical and geospatial tools, decision-support frameworks, or system simulation software.
- Record of scholarly publications and potential to attract external funding.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, modeling, and deployment of integrated FEW systems at PVAMU’s research farms.
- Collaborate with faculty from the campus, especially those from the participating three colleges, to incorporate AI into the food-energy-water system, geophysical sensing, and environmental monitoring tools.
- Conduct sustainability assessments using metrics such as water-use efficiency, soil health, greenhouse gas fluxes, and energy optimization.
- Engage with stakeholders, producers, and community organizations to ensure the real-world relevance and adoption of your initiatives.
- Contribute to proposal development, peer-reviewed publications, and interdisciplinary grant initiatives.
- Teach one to two courses in the combined specialization related to one of the above-stated expertises.
- Mentor students and contribute to the development of PVAMU’s upcoming Ph.D. program in Food–Energy–Water Security and Sustainability (FEWSS).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
