Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will serve as a key support person to assist the Principal Investigator, staff, and students in conducting research in the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

The chosen candidate will collaborate with the Principal Investigator on various research projects and farm operations at Kentucky State University. The candidate will be responsible for applying for extramural grants, mentoring student research projects, and publishing high-quality peer-reviewed journal articles in sustainable and urban farming.

The candidate will assist in implementing the student-run farm and demonstration gardens into existing coursework and programming for experiential learning opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Principal Investigator and supporting staff in designing farming activities, mentoring, supervising, and leading undergraduate and graduate students involved in research.
• Conduct collaborative and independent research to optimize production dynamics and profitability of sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Manage laboratory and farm spaces in a professional manner.
• Record and maintain data in proper spreadsheet layout.
• Track applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progress.
• Assist faculty and staff and students in using research equipment.
• Perform field and laboratory experiments to investigate key agricultural issues such as yield improvement, nutrient management, and climate adaptation for small fruits and vegetables grown in Kentucky and surrounding states.
• Collaborate with faculty, fellow researchers, and industry partners to integrate findings into practical solutions for agricultural challenges in Kentucky and surrounding states.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare scientific publications, and present research findings at conferences and seminars.
• Contribute to developing extramural grant applications to secure funding for ongoing and future research projects.

Requirements:

• Practical experience in research methodology in the area of sustainable food production or related fields.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical ability to include computer skills, advanced statistics, and analysis of databases.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with problem-solving expertise.
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, but cooperatively with others.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects/priorities.
• Good organizational skills.
• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience serving as Co-PI on funded research projects.
• Ability to perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Demonstrated expertise in agricultural and food systems, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Ph.D. in Agriculture or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated strong community-engaged and qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior practical or research experience with food and related sector.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated strong community-engaged and qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior practical or research experience with food safety management and/or organic agriculture.

Working Conditions:

• Occasionally requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold conditions, hazards or physical risks, which require some basic safety precautions.