Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Purpose:

The purpose of this postdoctoral position is to contribute to a research project focused on measuring and modeling subsurface nutrient transport mechanisms in the Midwest US. The successful candidate will play a key role in a collaborative effort between Lincoln University and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, aimed at understanding and mitigating nutrient loss in agricultural systems.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design and conduct field experiments to measure subsurface nutrient transport and hydrologic flow paths at the Alan T. Busby Research farm and other approved locations.
• Develop, calibrate, and execute nutrient and sediment transport models (e.g., SWAT, PLET) using data obtained from field research.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets related to nutrient transport and agricultural management practices.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations.
• Participate in and help organize outreach activities with minority, underrepresented, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
• Collaborate with the Collaborative Adaptive Management committee to guide research and outreach efforts.
• Assist in the supervision and training of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the research team at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to the development of educational materials for farmers and extension agents on nutrient loss reduction strategies.
• Assist in maintaining research equipment and ensuring proper data management and storage.
• Participate in departmental and university-wide activities as appropriate.
• Engage in professional development activities to enhance research skills and knowledge in the field.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in nutrient cycling and transport processes in agricultural systems.
• Experience with field research methodologies and environmental data collection.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Demonstrated experience with hydrological and/or nutrient transport modeling (e.g., SWAT, PLET).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• Experience working with farmers and conducting agricultural outreach activities.
• Familiarity with GIS software and remote sensing techniques.
• Knowledge of best management practices for nutrient management in agricultural systems.
• Experience in supervising or mentoring students in research projects.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to nutrient transport or agricultural water quality.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Expertise in soil/water chemistry and nutrient cycling.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in R., Python, or MATLAB.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Cultural sensitivity and innovative thinking.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid driver's license.
• First Aid and CPR certification (preferred).
• Pesticide applicator license (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Standing/walking on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for operating equipment.
• Occasional travel required.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

All grant-funded positions are contingent upon receipt of funding specifically for that purpose. Note that grant funding positions terminate upon:

• completion of the term of the grant
• early termination of the grant by Lincoln University or the funding agency
• exhaustion of the available funding for the position provided for under that grant, whichever occurs first.

This is a 12-month fixed term position, effective from the date of employment. Renewal on an annual basis is contingent upon job performance and funding availability.

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