Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency: Texas A&M Agri Life Research Department

Location: Vernon, Texas

Job Type: Staff

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will assist the project leader (Associate Professor/Geospatial Hydrologist) in research projects related to the development and evaluation of decision support tools for crop production in semi‑arid regions under current and future climate change scenarios.

• Conduct interdisciplinary research to assess the long‑term effects of changes in land use and management practices on soil health indicators, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation.
• Evaluate the long‑term impacts of using treated produced water for regenerative crop production on water catchment functions, soil carbon sequestration, soil health indicators, and climate resiliency.
• Contribute to ongoing research projects focused on identifying alternative field and forage crops, assessing crop transition strategies, and developing and evaluating efficient irrigation strategies/decision support tools.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams and contribute to research activities, including ecosystem modeling, downloading and processing projected future climate data, designing and conducting field experiments, procuring necessary field and laboratory equipment and supplies, and collecting and analyzing research data, including imagery from unpiloted aerial systems (UAS).
• Prepare research manuscripts for publication based on modeling and fieldwork results.
• Assist in developing grant proposals by conducting literature reviews and contributing to the collection, analysis, and interpretation of preliminary data.
• Train technicians and graduate students in modeling, research planning, execution of research experiments, and data analysis techniques.
• Participate in field days, conferences, and stakeholder meetings to present research findings to consumers, growers, researchers, and policy makers, as directed.
• Install, maintain, and operate laboratory and field equipment as required.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

• Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Water Management and Hydrologic Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecosystem Science, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Proven experience in independently executing complex and high‑responsibility assignments in support of research objectives, under the direction of a supervisor.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrologic, water quality, crop, and ecosystem modeling.
• Strong computer and statistical programming skills, with proficiency in languages such as R and Python.
• Experience in GIS, remote sensing, and processing projected climate data.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, work collaboratively in team environments, and communicate fluently in English.

• Skills in the setup, instrumentation, and maintenance of sensors and sensor networks.
• Experience in applying machine learning models and processing imagery from UAS and satellite platforms.

• Willingness to work irregular hours and in occasionally adverse weather conditions.
• Flexible and open to reassignment to other funded research projects during the project duration.
• Must be able to travel overnight as needed.
• Must be able to lift or move heavy objects of 50 lbs or more.

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

• 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.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.