Position Function:
The postdoctoral research associate will contribute to an USDA-ARS sponsored research project that examines the use of high tunnel agriculture production systems on a traditionally organic farming system by integrating cutting-edge modeling, fieldwork, and laboratory techniques to address challenges in management of high tunnel environments, vadose zone soil hydrology, and soil health. The successful candidate will be able to utilize soil hydrology modeling, conduct field sample and data collection, and conduct laboratory chemical and physical soil analyses. The successful candidate will also be able to analyze large data sets, provide research updates, present research findings, and author and co-author manuscript with team members.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University is considered among professionals as a top-tiered wildlife ecology and management degree granting institution. It is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States; MSU is among only 2.7% of universities in the U.S. that hold the Carnegie Foundation R1-Very High Research Activity designation. The National Science Foundation has MSU ranked No. 12 nationally (top 5%) in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 35-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. The department has a highly collegial and productive group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and extension associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture science in the nation. This position is on the MSU campus, located in Starkville, Mississippi. Please see a description of the College of Forest Resources (CFR), the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture: http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Soil Hydrology Modeling: Calibrate, evaluate and apply Hydrus-3D model.
• Field Research: Code Campbell datalogger CR series and manipulate soil moisture sensors such as TDR and CS655 to measure/record soil water content and calculate water balance.
• Agricultural Production System: Code dataloggers along with relays and other electronic devices to control sensors and regulate environmental factors affecting productivity in high tunnels.
• Laboratory Research: Run Hyprop 2, 2816GX Chameleon LabSystem, and Master Sizer 3000, etc. to measure and interpret soil physical and hydrological properties such as soil particle and aggregate size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention curves, and infiltration rates.
• Advanced Soil Structural Analysis: Apply X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) to characterize soil pore structures.
• Comprehensive Soil Health Assessment: Use SMAF, CASH, SSF, AHP, TOPSIS methods.
• Data Analysis and Dissemination: Analyze complex datasets using system approach, prepare high-impact manuscripts, and present findings at professional conferences and extension events.
• Collaboration and Outreach: Work with a USDA-ARS interdisciplinary team to connect research outcomes to stakeholders through farmer field days, workshops, and outreach programs.
• Disseminate findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Soil Science, Plant Science, Hydrology, and related Engineering disciplines.
Preferred Qualifications:
Recently graduated, in the past 2 years, must be available as early as March 2025.
Proven Hydrus modeling expertise for soil moisture/nutrient dynamics.
Extensive work experience in agricultural cropping systems.
Experience with X-ray computed tomography for soil pore structure and hydrophysical analysis.
Proficiency in measuring hydrophysical properties such as saturated hydraulic conductivity, water infiltration, soil water retention capacity, and plant available water.
Demonstrated record of at least three peer-reviewed journal papers, either published or submitted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of agricultural systems.
Good communication skills.
Ability to work with others.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is performed primarily in an indoor office and lab environment, with some trips to field sites to set up equipment and collect data.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply immediately, the position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants should apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) academic transcripts. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online. For questions, e-mail: dm3090@msstate.edu
Screening Date:
March 21, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
