Postdoctoral Research Associate

** 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 Agri Life
** Texas A&M Agri Life is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life 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 Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click to learn more about joining Agri Life!#
** 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 contingent upon the continued availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.
** Flexible Work Arrangements:
** This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work.
** Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:
** Your employment at Texas A&M Agri Life may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M Agri Life will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If…