Fellow (Post Doc)

About This Role:

The full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate will be an integral part of the Northwest Agronomy team at the Kansas State University Northwest Research-Extension Center, Colby, Kansas. This individual will have leadership responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of multiple research projects that are focused on improving nitrogen use efficiency in dryland cropping systems and reducing nitrogen losses to N2O greenhouse gas emissions and NH3 volatilization. These projects are part of a DOE supported SmartFarm project and a FFAR AgMission project. This individual will take a lead role in the analysis and publication of data resulting from the many aspects of these projects while also being involved in field operations.

In addition, the individual will have the opportunity to become involved with a diverse set of projects that include corn, sorghum, wheat, dry beans/pulses, cotton, and other crops in the context of dryland and limited irrigation production systems. Opportunities for involvement could include field operations and data collection, data processing and analysis, publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, and grant submissions.

Expectations include self-direction and innovative problem solving; leadership; the ability to work independently and cooperatively (inter- and intradisciplinary); assisting the PI in writing grants, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and Extension publications; participation in professional, scientific meetings; identification and assessment of research problems; research planning and implementation, and dissemination of research findings at professional meetings, Extension outputs, and various media outlets.

Why Join Us:

This position offers a unique opportunity for a candidate to grow not only scientific skills, but to gain experience in a multi-disciplinary, off-campus environment working directly with farmers in developing improved management techniques; communicating science to practitioners through Extension; and gain experience in leading applied field research.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in soil fertility, agronomy, or closely related plant or soil science disciplineTwo years’ experience in soil fertility, agronomy, or closely related plant science disciplineExperience in field research methodsGood verbal and written skills in English,Experience in experimental design, data processing, QA/QC, statistical analysis, and presentation of data

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience or knowledge of Great Plains / High Plains agricultureExperience with mechanized field operations (planting, harvest, etc.)Experience in calibrating, validating, and using computer simulation models applicable soils and or crop production.

Other Requirements:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.Valid driver's license.

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