Research Soil Scientist

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Soil Scientist will lead research efforts focusing on soil carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agricultural practices. This position emphasizes the development of models and tools to quantify soil processes, support climate mitigation strategies, and improve agricultural productivity. The scientist will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address national and global challenges in soil health and environmental sustainability. This position will work with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL), a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
Expertise in soil carbon dynamics, nitrogen cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Experience with process-based modeling (e.g., DAYCENT, DNDC).
Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of agricultural systems and their interactions with climate processes.
Experience with interdisciplinary research involving soil science, ecology, and climate change.

Responsibilities

Conduct advanced research on soil carbon cycling, nitrogen dynamics, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Develop and refine process-based models (e.g., DAYCENT or DNDC) to simulate soil and ecosystem functions.
Evaluate the impacts of agricultural management practices on soil health, carbon sequestration, and emissions.
Analyze large datasets from field experiments and long-term monitoring studies.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and presentations at scientific conferences.
Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Provide technical expertise to inform programs and policies related to soil health and climate resilience.