TAMUS

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX Full time

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Temple

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Temple, 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:

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 how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, located in Temple, Texas, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. We are looking for an innovative and highly motivated candidate to support the national scale assessment of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling on croplands and pasture lands using the FEST-C CONUS-EPIC model. 

Responsibilities:

  • Upgrade the integrated CONUS EPIC model into the current version of EPIC.

  • Support the tool development (e.g., programs, macros, SQL queries) to systematically upgrade the geospatial and tools in the CONUS EPIC integrated with atmosphere using improved geospatial and activity data for NRCS applications.

  • Update soil inputs of the CONUS EPIC model using the latest soil databases, such as the Gridded National Soil Survey Geographic Database (gNATSGO).

  • Improve management input using various data sources with the support from the consultant, Dr. Verel Benson.

  • Conduct modeling and impact assessment of climate change and land and water management on GHG emissions and soil carbon dynamics in the CONUS using the improved CONUS EPIC integrated with atmosphere.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Engineering or related fields.
  • Demonstrated publication record.

  • Ability to design, analyze, and interpret big data from various databases.

  • Experience with project management and technical report writing.

  • Flexibility to perform work in a team or individually with supervision.

  • Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient understanding of the factors influencing soil organic carbon, soil erosion, and nitrogen processes on croplands and pasture lands in the CONUS.  

  • Prior solid experience with process-based models, particularly EPIC, FEST-C, or other related simulation models.

  • Proficiency in computer programming such as scripting using Python, Fortran, or other computing tools for data processing and modeling.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Position Funding: The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding. Position contingent on availability of funding.

Required Documents: CV/resume, cover letter, and list of references are required. Failure to provide all required documents could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

  • 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

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.