Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Hydrologist/Agricultural Engineer/Physical Scientist
The USDA – Agricultural Research Service Soil Drainage Research Unit (Columbus, OH) is seeking a post-doctoral research associate with specialty in atmospheric sciences, micrometeorology, hydrology, agricultural engineering, physical science or related discipline. The post-doctoral research associate will contribute to the Unit’s research related to understanding the atmospheric flux of water, carbon, and/or nitrogen from various agricultural production practices in artificial (tile) drained landscapes of the Eastern Corn Belt using an array of technologies including eddy covariance systems and trace gas systems. The incumbent is expected to: 1) synthesize and analyze existing data; 2) develop hypotheses, design experiments, deploy trace gas measurement devices, and collect, process, and analyze eddy covariance data; 3) troubleshoot and problem solve in the field and 4) present findings in peer reviewed journals and at scientific meetings. The research will contribute to and is an integral component of the USDA-ARS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network.
Primary responsibilities:
• Contribute to and lead aspects of field investigations, data collection, maintenance of field research equipment (Campbell’s Scientific and LI-COR micrometeorological devices), and data analysis involving the exchange of water, carbon, and/or greenhouse gases at the soil, vegetation, and atmospheric interface using eddy covariance and trace gas analyzers.
• Organize and publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate and provide support to other Unit research activities.
• Participate in working groups, conference calls, and annual meetings.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
• US citizen or permanent resident
• PhD in atmospheric sciences, hydrology, environmental or agricultural engineering, meteorology or related discipline
• Experience and knowledge with field instrumentation (calibration, data logger programming, installation of eddy covariance systems) and agricultural system fluxes
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of statistics and data analysis
• Strong record of productivity with evidence of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working in agricultural environments
• Experience working in artificial tile drained landscapes
• Experience in working with large data sets including data management and analyses.
• Experience in coordinating research and team work with a diverse group of colleagues.
For more information or to apply for this position, please contact Dr. Kevin King, USDA-ARS Soil Drainage Research Unit, Columbus, OH – kevin.king@usda.gov.