Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Vernon

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Vernon, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Description Summary:

Assist the project leader (Dr. Srinivasulu Ale, Professor of Agrohydrology) in research projects related to the development and evaluation of climate resilient, regenerative agricultural practices and strategies for conserving soil and water, enhancing crop water productivity, and protecting soil and water quality in diverse agroecosystems.

Major/Essential Duties of Job:

• Conduct multi-disciplinary research related to i) identification of climate resilient and water-use efficient field and forage crops for the Southern Great Plains, ii) assessment of hydrologic and environmental impacts of changes in climate, and land use and management, and iii) development and evaluation of efficient irrigation strategies and decision support tools.

• The candidate is also expected to assist in other ongoing research projects related to climate change impacts on crop production and evaluation of adaptation strategies, and assessing the impacts of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health and ecosystem services on crop and grasslands.

• Work in multi-disciplinary teams and assist in modeling, download and processing of future climate data, field experimental design, procurement of necessary field/laboratory equipment/supplies, conduct of experiments, and collection and analysis of research data including UAS images.

• Prepare manuscripts for publication based on modeling and field research. Assist in writing grant proposals through literature reviews, and collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary data.

• Train technicians and graduate students in modeling, planning and conducting 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 needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education:

Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Soil Science, or closely related field at the time of appointment.

Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Strong hydrologic/water quality/crop/ecosystem modeling experience; good computer and statistical programming skills; proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python; experience in using GIS and remote sensing, and processing of future climate data; ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others; communicate fluently in English. Experience in carrying out complex and responsible assignments in support of research objectives as directed by the supervisor.

Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Skills with the setup, instrumentation and maintenance of sensors and sensor networks; experience with the use of machine learning models and processing of UAS/satellite images.

Other requirements or other factors:

A willingness to work irregular hours and in sometimes adverse weather conditions. Willingness to transfer to other research projects that may be funded during the project duration. Occasional overnight travel will be required. Lifting or moving heavy loads. Other duties as needed.

Application materials:

Please combine:

i) a cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum),

ii) an updated CV, and

iii) a list of three references into a single PDF document and upload it.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.