Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas A&M Agri Life Research seeks applicants for the position of postdoctoral scholar (social scientist) to join its vibrant and growing agricultural and life sciences communications team. The postdoctoral scholar will support the Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative (TCSI), a five-year pilot project led by Texas A&M Agri Life Research and funded by USDA NRCS. TCSI aims to foster conservation practices and create market opportunities for all major Texas agricultural commodities.

Position duties focus on research activities including participant recruitment, data management, data analysis, and scientific writing for refereed journals and grants. The postdoctoral scholar will work as part of the science communications team to explore programs that build conservation and sustainability solutions for Texas' farms, grasslands, and forests. The science communications team uses a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods such as discourse analysis, interviews, mixed-methods textual analysis, surveys, and experiments to test message effects.

Applicants should have experience with engaging rural/agricultural audiences in Texas and/or youth. The postdoctoral scholar will interface collaborators throughout Texas. The initial appointment is for one year with an opportunity for reappointment for an additional nine months based on performance. Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Agri Life Research are committed to enriching the learning and working environments for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff.

• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative data collection with Texas' agricultural stakeholders, Extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, crop consultants, recycling facility representatives, consumers and other public stakeholders
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations to diverse audiences
• Help oversee the activities of the Science Communications Team

• PhD in the social sciences with emphases on communications, education, diffusion of innovations, or extension education (by anticipated start date)

• Theoretical background in science communications, agricultural communications, agricultural education, or extension.
• Skills in experimental and survey methods, text analysis.
• Experience conducting quantitative data analysis, including univariate and multivariate statistics, fieldwork, and outreach to agricultural audiences.
• Experience with SPSS, MAXQDA, Amos, LISREL, PLS, R, and/or similar programs.
• Familiarity with agricultural and natural resource contexts.
• Ability to multi-task and work with diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience with quantitative survey data analysis.
• Willingness to travel throughout Texas (project meetings and conferences).
• Ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, Extension specialists, and other project participants.
• Interest in agriculture, diffusion of innovations, environment, and/or sustainable agriculture.

• Excellent organization and project management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

The initial appointment is for one year with an opportunity for reappointment for an additional nine months based on performance. Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Agri Life Research are committed to enriching the learning and working environments for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff.

Location:

The primary position is based in Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications Texas A&M University (TAMU) on the College Station campus.

Why Work at Texas A&M Agri Life?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M Agri Life, 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 Agri Life offers a comprehensive benefit pack age including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M Agri Life 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 Agri Life

Applicant Instructions :

• A cover letter summarizing their interest in and qualifications for the position;
• A current Curriculum Vitae that includes research activity and service to the profession;
• Names and contact information for three professional references.
• The position will be open until filled. The process of reviewing applications will begin July 1. If you have questions about the position,…