Postdoctoral Associate

Position Function:

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our research team for an exciting project on generating baseline methane data and assessing mitigation measures for rice fields in Mississippi. This project combines field-based data collection with advanced modeling approaches to better understand methane emissions and identify effective strategies for mitigation. The postdoc is expected to analyze field data using statistical and computational methods to interpret emission levels, sources, and trends. The successful applicant will develop and apply mathematical models to simulate methane emissions and evaluate potential mitigation measures. The candidate must have advanced crop modeling, sound programming, and statistical skills to analyze large datasets. The selected applicant is expected to experiment with other multi-disciplinary team members.

Duration: 4 Years- Approximate Start Date: 1 October 2024

Salary Grade:  UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Plant and Soil Sciences is a comprehensive department with 32 on – and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, extension and/or service programs, most of whom carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by 32 support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in agronomy, horticulture and environmental science in agricultural systems, and has approximately 116 undergraduate students in agronomy; 36 in horticulture; and 11 in environmental science in agricultural systems. The department offers master's and doctoral programs, with 57 students currently majoring in either agronomy, horticulture, or weed science. The teaching, research, extension and service programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and trained personnel. The department holds two endowed chairs and faculty are nationally prominent, with 4 Fellows in national/international societies. Agronomic and horticultural industries are significant contributors to Mississippi’s agricultural economy (combined value of $8.75 billion with 13 million acres under management). The department is committed to enhancing its statewide, national and international reputation for excellence. More information about the department can be found at http://www.pss.msstate.edu/.

Area of Specialization:

crop modeling & sound programming

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 1, 2024.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1) Conduct comprehensive field surveys to collect methane data from diverse sources, including agricultural sites and natural ecosystems.

2) Install necessary equipment such as Eddy Flux Tower, Static chambers, automated gas analyzers, or methane flux measurements

3) Analyze collected field data using statistical and computational methods to interpret emission levels, sources, and trends.

4) Develop and apply crop models to simulate methane emissions and evaluate potential mitigation measures.

5) Prepare detailed reports, academic papers, and presentations to communicate findings to the scientific community and stakeholders.

6) Work closely with the research team, engineers, and policymakers to integrate data and model outputs into practical mitigation strategies

Minimum Qualifications:

1) Ph.D. in Agronomy, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

2) At least five publications related to crop modeling and crop physiology.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience connecting methane emissions research, field data collection, environmental modeling, and remote sensing.

2. A strong field crops research background and familiarity with remote sensing are preferred.

3. Experience with the field work is beneficial.

4. Experience with reviewing literature to identify knowledge gaps.

5. Ability to work collaboratively in a m