"Post-Doctoral Associate"

The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher. The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal possible. The incoming postdoc will work closely with the PI to conduct field measurements and use hydrologic/water quality models to better understand the effect of soil health management practices on soil-water storage in agricultural fields.

A postdoctoral position is available to examine the effect of soil health management practices on shallow soil-water storage in agricultural fields in Minnesota. Both hydrologic/water quality models, and field measurement of soil or hydrologic properties will be used to achieve the project goals. The successful candidate will be working closely with the project PI’s to generate and test hypotheses, develop and run model simulations, and report findings through presentations at conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Duties/Responsibilities

• 50% effort on hydrologic modeling
• 30% effort on field measurements of hydrology or soil parameters
• 10% effort on reviewing literature, preparing reports and manuscripts, presentation at conferences participation in departmental seminars etc.
• 10% effort on mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, participation in departmental seminars etc.

Required Qualifications

• Recently graduated Ph.D. or Ph.D. to be granted by the time of hire in the field of hydrology, soil science, environmental engineering or closely related disciplines
• Research experience in use of hydrologic models
• Demonstrated experience with field monitoring of hydrology or soil parameters
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous research experience in soil sample analysis (e.g. hydraulic conductivity, porosity, bulk density)
• Experience with GIS programs, including ArcGIS
• Understanding of global and regional cropping systems
• Highly self-motivated and strong track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals