Research Scientist

Texas A&M Agrilife Research • College Station, TX

1d

About The Position

Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) is seeking applications for a Research Scientist to serve as a Product Positioning/Competitive Intelligence Manager position with a strong focus on water treatment technologies and plant physiology, emphasizing M3T water systems and sustainable water reuse. We’re seeking a strategic and analytical professional to define how M3T products stand out in a competitive marketplace. The Product Positioning & Competitive Intelligence Manager will be responsible for developing compelling product positioning, analyzing competitive dynamics, and delivering actionable insights that inform go-to-market strategy, sales enablement, and product development. The successful candidate will develop and lead a research and educational program that addresses critical regional and global challenges related to agricultural water scarcity, quality, and reuse through the application of advanced biological and engineered water technologies. Core research areas will include the development, optimization, and agricultural application of M3T treatment technologies and soil-water-plant interactions under traditional and alternative water sources for resilient crop production. The incumbent is expected to develop a nationally recognized, technology-driven research and extension program focused on the design, evaluation, and implementation of M3T and other water treatment systems for agricultural, industrial, and environmental applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Soil and Crop Sciences, Microbial Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Six years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience in technology development, applied research, product development or water systems.
• Strong experience coordinating, developing, and executing field-based research experiments at multiple locations simultaneously.
• Proven ability to publish in high-impact journals.
• Strong record of interdisciplinary research and collaboration across environmental, engineering, and agricultural domains.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective engagement with academic, industry, and government partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on M3T and other biological or hybrid water treatment technologies, emphasizing their performance, optimization, and integration into agricultural and environmental systems.
• Develop, evaluate and validate cropping systems and irrigation strategies that utilize M3T-treated, reclaimed, or non-traditional water sources, focusing on water quality impacts, soil health, and plant response.
• Advance understanding of microbial processes, nutrient dynamics, and contaminant removal mechanisms in M3T and related systems.
• Design laboratory, greenhouse, and field-scale experiments evaluating the efficacy, scalability, and sustainability of M3T technology.
• Utilize the latest high throughput plant phenotyping technologies and GIS systems to quantify and characterize the effects of M3T technology on soil-water-plant interactions.
• Explore the physiological changes induced by the application of M3T to determine the effectiveness of the new technology on plant emergence, vigor, health, and yield.
• Collaborate with engineers, soil and plant scientists, microbiologists, and environmental scientists across AgriLife Research Centers, Texas A&M campuses, and federal agencies (e.g., USDA-ARS, EPA) to develop interdisciplinary research and technology-transfer programs.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, technical reports, and stakeholder workshops.
• Support Extension and outreach programs that communicate the benefits and management considerations of M3T water use for irrigation and environmental sustainability.
• Engage with water utilities, agricultural producers, and technology developers with research-based recommendations on product use and rate to facilitate the adoption of treatment technologies in practical settings.
• Participate actively in professional organizations.

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
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees