Job ID360291 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyResearch-Researchers Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9742R5 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin About the Job Summary: A researcher position is available in the Soil Ecosystem Ecology for Climate Resiliency and Sustainability (SEECRS) lab in the Dept. of Soil, Water, and Climate at University of Minnesota to help oversee and synthesize information gained from both focus group and datasets for the purpose of building a strategic framework for assessing the ecosystem services yielded by continuous cover cropping systems, for best use by researchers and stakeholders in the state of Minnesota. This is a 1.0 FTE term position with initial funding for just over two years (tentative March 2024-September 2026). The position requires some field work but will mainly be focused on data analysis, organizing, and writing at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Background: Continuous living cover cropping systems, such as those being developed and deployed by the UMN Forever Green Initiative (FGI; https://forevergreen.umn.edu/), have huge potential to improve water quality, climate resilience, soil conservation, habitat creation, and other ecosystem benefits. In this project, we will develop a framework of how to assess the ecosystem services of FGI crops for best use by a variety of state stakeholders. The framework will be developed from the products of three subprojects: 1) Information gathering with stakeholders and via existing literature and datasets; 2) Testing the relationships between plot level data collection and field scale outcomes; and 3) Standardizing assessment methods and data reporting appropriate to the state of development of each crop. Stakeholders and other ongoing state efforts (e.g., Nutrient Strategy, Climate Framework) will be involved throughout and we will take care to consider the range of development and commercialization status of the various FGI crops. Deliverables for this 2 year project include: published manuscript(s), a data dictionary to guide future data collection, and a strategic framework with protocol for monitoring needs. The researcher will work closely with PIs, field technicians, and interns in the SEECRS (Gutknecht) Lab (PI Dr. Jessica Gutknecht), Dr Anna Cates' lab, Dr. Laura Christianson, and other project partners. Activities will include planning and hosting focus groups, recording and synthesizing the learnings from those focus groups, curating and synthesizing existing datasets, mainly focused on Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass but including other FGI crops as well, and planning and data synthesis of field plot research conducted as part of this project. A high level of organizing, data management, and writing skills are required. This project represents highly collaborative partnerships with other researchers and multiple stakeholders, and the researcher will also be expected to participate in summarizing research findings for those diverse audiences. Specific tasks include: * Data management and analysis (25%) Organizing and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions and other existing datasets that have been collected on FGI crops, and processing and analyzing data collected as part of this current project. * Stakeholder engagement and informational synthesis (25%) Assist organizing and conducting a series of stakeholder meetings, followed by the synthesis and reporting of information gathered from those meetings. * Fieldwork management (15%) Assist planning, protocol development, and help oversee field tasks related to research goals of erosion mat and lysimeter/tile train runoff work. Travel to the field trials is required 3-4 times in the first year at least. * Report and manuscript writing (30%) Written and oral reports from the activities described above (data synthesis, informational synthesis, field trials), and leading peer reviewed manuscripts where appropriate. * Professional development (5%) Activities will vary depending on the researcher's career goals. Opportunities exist to mentor students, teach graduate and/or undergraduate classes, participate in efforts to enhance diversity, equity, and racial justice, and contribute to future research through grant writing. Required Applicants must have a PhD in soil science, biogeochemistry, agronomy, or a related field upon beginning the position, which should include 1 additional year of experience, OR an MS with 3 years experience. Experience in cropping systems field research is desired. The incumbent must have strong quantitative skills and demonstrated writing abilities through the publication of research. About the Department The mission of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water. Through research, teaching, and outreach we seek to: Improve and protect the quality of soil, air, and water resources in natural and managed ecosystems; Enhance agricultural and forest productivity and sustainability; Predict and mitigate impacts of environmental and climate change on ecosystems and society; and Provide science based knowledge for improved decision making and a better informed citizenry. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area Please visit the for more information regarding benefits. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled Start date is preferably spring 2024. Contact Person/Email/Phone for information or questions: Jessica Gutknecht, Associate Professor Department of Soil, Water, and... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.