Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Temple

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Temple, 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
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

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 to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, located in Temple, Texas, is seeking a postdoctoral research associate. We seek an innovative and highly motivated candidate who will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of methane and NH3 modeling and enhancement from livestock animals and manure housing and management in small farms or watersheds using Python and Fortran programming language.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a literature review and gap analysis of existing models on methane and nitrogen gas production, livestock enteric fermentation, and dairy manure storage and management.
• Acquire, organize, and analyze GHG and NH3 gases released into the environment by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) through soil, air, and water.
• Enhance model algorithms for livestock enteric fermentation and manure housing and management using a scientific programming language.
• Integrate the modules into the APEX ecosystem simulation model.
• Assess and mitigate agroecosystem GHG stresses imposed by concentrated, ruminant-livestock production systems, and climate change.
• Assess and enhance the performance of the improved model across diverse dairy systems and under different livestock and grazing management practices.
• Document the model development process and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Rangeland Management, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Ability to design, analyze, and interpret data from field studies.
• Experience with project management and technical report writing.
• Flexibility to perform work in a team or individually with supervision.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient understanding of the factors influencing entric methane and nitrogen gas production.
• Prior solid experience with process-based models, particularly EPIC/APEX/SWAT, DayCent, or other related simulation models.
• Proficiency in computer programming, such as scripting using Python, Fortran, or other computing tools for data processing and modeling.

Other Factors:

The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding. Position contingent on availability of funding.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this positi