• Job Description

  Req#: R-067811

  Job Title

  Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ecosystem Modeling

  Agency

  Texas A&M Agrilife Research

  Department

  Temple

  Proposed Minimum Salary

  Commensurate

  Job Location

  Temple, Texas

  Job Type

  Staff

  Job Description

  Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Temple is seeking a highly motivated scientist with expertise in ecosystem modeling, remote sensing, and geospatial technology. The ideal candidate will work and collaborate closely within a diverse research team at Texas A&M AgriLife to support the modeling of crop yield, agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and carbon/nitrogen cycling under various climate-smart agricultural practices. This is initially a two-year position, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2024. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Gurjinder Baath at gurjinder.baath@ag.tamu.edu.

  Major duties:

  The selected candidate will be responsible for aggregating extensive field data collected from farmers' fields and gathering soil and climatic information from a wide range of publicly available sources, including satellite-based images, to conduct simulations with process-based models. The Individual will work independently to operate, test, validate model outputs, identify gaps, and enhance prediction accuracy of models by integrating new datasets generated to address identified gaps. The candidate will contribute to understanding the impacts of climate-smart practices (e.g., reduced tillage, cover crops, residue management) on GHG emissions, carbon sequestration, and crop yields at different temporal and spatial scales. In addition, drafting peer-reviewed scientific publications, and actively contributing to developing proposals are other key considerations.

  Minimum requirements:

  • PhD in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Geosciences, Environmental sciences, or closely related discipline.

  • Strong background in process-based ecosystem modeling.

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

  Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience in major process-based models such as DayCent, DSSAT, EPIC, or others.

  • Proficiency in handling remotely sensed geospatial datasets and programming languages, particularly R or Python.

  • Knowledge, experience, and interest in assessing the impacts of agricultural management practices on environmental outcomes, such as carbon/nitrogen cycling, carbon sequestration, GHG emissions, and global warming potential.

  • Excellent academic record, including authored/co-authored publications and contributions to significant scientific meetings, seminars, and conferences.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  Required attachments:

  Cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three professional references.

  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.

• About the company

  Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, Texas.

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