Post-doc opportunity announcement-Columbus, OH

The USDA – Agricultural Research Service Soil Drainage Research Unit (Columbus, OH) is seeking a post-doctoral research associate in biology, agronomy, soil science, environmental science or related discipline. The post-doctoral research associate will contribute to the Unit’s research related to understanding the water quality impacts of conservation practices. The research contributes to the state of Ohio’s H2Ohio program as well as the national USDA Conservation Effects Assessment Project and USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network. 

The successful candidate is expected to use existing and new data to lead, plan and conduct research to assess the water quality effects of crop production and conservation practice implementation in the tile drained landscape of the Eastern Corn Belt. This includes but is not limited to: a) developing hypotheses and assembling site and practice specific data-sets related to nitrogen, phosphorus, and management; and b) examining the influence of in-field and edge-of-field agricultural practices on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics. The outcomes of this research will help to inform state and national conservation policy. 

Main responsibilities:

·         Lead data mining and assessment research activities to quantify the water quality impacts of conservation and crop production practices. 

·         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 biology, agronomy, soil science, environmental science or a related discipline.

·         Demonstrated knowledge and application of statistics 

·         Strong record of productivity with evidence of peer-reviewed publications.

·         Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Experience in agricultural phosphorus and nitrogen cycling/budgets 

·         Knowledge and/or experience working in tile drained landscapes

·         Experience with of agricultural crop production and conservation practices

·         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 SDRU, Columbus, OH – kevin.king@usda.gov