Job Information
Texas A&M University Postdoctoral Research Associate in Amarillo, Texas
Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Amarillo
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Amarillo, 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 (https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/)
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University (https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/)
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/)
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 (https://agrilife.tamu.edu/) to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project to scientifically measure dairy’s greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint for feed production at representative locations across the US. Greenhouse gas emissions, soil health and carbon storage parameters, agronomic production and water usage will be measured over 4 years of forage crops in small pot research. Institutional partners in this effort include Dairy Management Inc., Soil Health Institute, Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, Cornell University, ARS-Kimberly Idaho, University of California-Davis University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. To learn more about Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Amarillo, click here (https://amarillo.tamu.edu/) .
Responsibilities:
Provide primary support to the Associate Professor and Extension Agronomist (Amarillo, TX) and the Associate Professor of Air Quality Engineering (Amarillo, TX) in the design, establishment, execution, and interpretation of field- and plot-scale experiments associated with greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from soils, soil health, forage production, and land application of synthetic fertilizers and fertility products derived from dairy manure.
Coordinate field activities with on-farm cooperator and conduct including but not limited to; sampling soil gases, soil, forages, and irrigation water, making in-field soil measurement to capture changes in soil physical properties, and coordinating field operations associated with planting, fertilizing, irrigating, cultivating, and harvesting research plots and fields.
Drive independently to field plots on the research farm to collect samples, GHG and soil moisture measurements, which requires operating an agency vehicle.
Keep detailed records of field operations and data.
Use computers and technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results; summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
Use presentation graphics and multimedia to develop presentations and documents in support of faculty supervisors.
Write research reports and make oral presentations.
Supervise technical support staff, graduate students, and/or student workers, as assigned.
Prepare and write supplementary proposals to funding agencies; maintain financial records related to research projects.
Coordinate use of shared equipment with cooperating farmers, other researchers, and farm superintendents.
Specify and acquire necessary parts, equipment, materials, and supplies; install, operate, and repair research equipment.
Serve on appropriate committees of Texas A&M AgriLife Research-Amarillo, as assigned.
Perform other, related duties as assigned.
Supervision:
The incumbent will report to the Associate Professor and Extension Agronomist (Amarillo, TX) and the Assistant Professor of Air Quality Engineering (Amarillo, TX), who will be responsible for direction, technical guidance, project scheduling, and performance review. The incumbent may supervise technical support staff, graduate students, and undergraduate student workers.
Required Qualifications:
Doctoral degree in agriculture, agronomy, soil science, crop science, environmental science, or closely related field.
Driver’s license
Familiarity with appropriate technical equipment; ability to use a computer and software effectively to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data, and perform other computer-related tasks.
Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
Ability to communicate effectively. Strong organizational skills, excellent communication and documentation skills.
Must be a self-starter who is able to work independently and by interacting with other research teams.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with scientists, engineers, laboratory personnel and farm staff.
Physical ability to perform field work in outdoor settings.
Must be able to tolerate working under a wide range of environmental conditions in an agricultural setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
Seven years of professional experience in agricultural or biological research, including demonstrated experience with soil gas emissions, agronomy, and soil science with experience in soil health assessment, carbon balances, forage quality.
Other Requirements:
- Travel connected with official duties will be required. Will have to work away from the office on occasion requiring overnight stay. Must be willing to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities.
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
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 packing including the following:
Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (https://www.tamus.edu/benefits/) 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
Applicant Instructions
Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
Required Documents
A successful candidate must attach a CV and answer all questions.
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.