Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Uvalde
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Uvalde, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about joining AgriLife!
Position Information
Job Summary:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research in monitoring and modeling of evapotranspiration (ET) and irrigation management for field and high-value crops such as cotton, spinach, onions and corn. Research will be conducted in a team environment and will involve the use of ET and soil moisture sensors, and computer modeling tools to predict crop ET under field conditions.
Responsibilities:
70% Research
Conduct research in crop ET monitoring using eddy covariance ET sensors and crop root-zone soil moisture sensors
Utilize knowledge of crop modeling and sensor data telemetry to complete irrigation management research projects in cotton, spinach, onions and corn
Analyze data and summarize results for publications in peer reviewed journals
20% Specific Duties
Plan and install equipment and sensors to monitor ET and soil water content under field conditions
Use web-based ET modules to document and analyze seasonal crop water use
Prepare, collect and organize samples for plant growth and related biochemical analysis
Compile full documentation of the data and meta-data, including related computer and mathematical models used in data analysis
Participate in field activities such as planting, weeding, irrigating and harvesting experimental plots
Travel independently or in groups to field plots, growers’ farms, and conference locations in Texas and other states when necessary
Other duties as assigned
5% Mentoring
Assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project
5% Presentations
Prepare presentations for research and extension field days and professional conferences
Prepare required technical progress reports for submission to research sponsors
Required Qualifications:
PhD in the field of crop physiology, ecology, hydrology or agricultural engineering
Strong ability to formulate hypothesis, design experiments, handle scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and write scientific reports
Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Excellent written and oral English communication skills
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
Organizational skills
Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 application
Other Requirements:
Valid Driver’s License to be able to independently travel to various field site locations such as field plots, grower’s farms and conference locations in Texas and other states when necessary Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends
Ability to lift or move heavy objects up to 50 pounds
Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
Ability to establish effective working relationships
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications.
Position Funding: This is a one-year position funded through grants or contracts. Employment is…