"Postdoctoral Researcher (PIER - Integrated Food-Energy-Water Systems)"

Job Details

Job Title
Postdoctoral Researcher (PIER - Integrated Food-Energy-Water Systems)

Agency
Prairie View A&M University

Department
College Of Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Prairie View, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead the design and testing of pilot-scale integrated FEW systems that model real-world climate and resource challenges. The position will combine expertise in the food-energy-water nexus and rising technologies, including green chemistry, renewable energy integration (e.g., bioenergy, agrivoltaics, and hydrogen), water resources, and precision agriculture to offer more viable and nationally aligned energy-transition opportunities, as well as environmental implications, supporting the broader mission of developing climate-resilient and socially responsible resource systems.

The appointment is a one-year, full-time position in residence at Prairie View A&M University. The university retains the option to renew the appointment for a second year based on performance, research progress, and availability of funding. The maximum term is two years.

This position is funded by restricted funds or a grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of restricted or grant funds.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, modeling, and deployment of integrated FEW systems at PVAMU’s research farms.
• Collaborate with faculty from the campus, especially those from the participating three colleges, to incorporate AI into the food-energy-water system, geophysical sensing, and environmental monitoring tools.
• Conduct sustainability assessments using metrics such as water-use efficiency, soil health, greenhouse gas fluxes, and energy optimization.
• Engage with stakeholders, producers, and community organizations to ensure the real-world relevance and adoption of your initiatives.
• Contribute to proposal development, peer-reviewed publications, and interdisciplinary grant initiatives.
• Teach one to two courses in the combined specialization related to one of the above-stated expertises.
• Mentor students and contribute to the development of PVAMU’s upcoming Ph.D. program in Food–Energy–Water Security and Sustainability (FEWSS).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural or Biological Systems Engineering, Hydrology, Chemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering or a related field (earned within the past three years).
• Demonstrated expertise in integrated systems design, renewable energy–water linkages, or precision irrigation technologies.
• Experience with data-driven modeling, sustainability assessment, or AI-enabled sensing systems.
• Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with pilot-scale field experiments and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with analytical and geospatial tools, decision-support frameworks, or system simulation software.
• Record of scholarly publications and potential to attract external funding.

Job Posting Close Date:
01/19/2026

Required Attachments:
Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Application Submission Guidelines:
All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.

Background Check Requirements:
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.