Post-Doctoral Associate

The Department of Soil, Water, and Climate in the College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota seek a motivated scientist with applied field research experience to evaluate existing data from research trials conducted in Minnesota and establish and coordinate nitrogen fertilizer research sites with the Principal Investigator. These activities will be targeted to publishing peer-reviewed journal articles, updating nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) and assisting with the promotion of nitrogen fertilizer BMPs, soil fertility information, and regenerative agricultural practices in Minnesota.

Responsibilities:
- Analyze and publish existing data
- Provide expertise on soil fertility, nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs), and alternative management tools for sustainable crop production that are protective of the environment
- Collaborate on existing or new soil fertility management projects, as relevant
- Present research findings at selected UMN Extension events and through educational materials (including factsheets, videos, blogs and other media) to promote nitrogen BMPs and sound nitrogen management in crop production
- Secure external funding for research and outreach as relevant

Job Duties/Time Distribution:
(70%) Analyze current data sets related to N management in Minnesota, conduct literature reviews and write manuscripts for publication
(20%) Manage field trials, data collection, and analysis
(10%) Assist the Principal Investigator with reports, grant writing, and extension and professional presentations and activities

Required Qualifications:
- PhD in soil science, agronomy, environmental science or closely related field
- Comprehensive knowledge of Midwestern agricultural crop production including regenerative agriculture systems, field-level experience in designing and evaluating cover crop strategies, soil health assessments, and nutrient cycling under conservation tillage.
- Strong organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experienced in developing and analyzing precision agriculture trials integrating UAV, multispectral, and hyperspectral imagery, and ground-based sensor data
- A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
- An ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment
- Documented experience in applying advanced statistical methods to agronomic research, including mixed models, geospatial statistics, multivariate analysis, and machine learning
- Must possess and maintain an active and valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:
- A minimum of 3 years of practical experience since the Ph.D. degree working in applied field activities
- Practical experience designing and analyzing small plot and on-farm field trials across diverse soil and management conditions
- Excellent technical knowledge of nitrogen dynamics and loss pathways in crop production
- Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing workflows, using tools like QGIS, R, and Python to process vector and raster data for agronomic decision-making
- Documented experience with producing educational communications and programming
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information to scientific and nonscientific audiences
- A track record of publishing in peer reviewed journals

The mission of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water. Through research, teaching, and outreach we seek to: improve and protect the quality of soil, air, and water resources in natural and managed ecosystems; enhance agricultural and forest productivity and sustainability; predict and mitigate impacts of environmental and climate change on ecosystems and society; and provide science based knowledge for improved decision making and a better informed citizenry.

Pay Range: $61,008 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).