Field Horticulture Scientist: Irrigation & Nutrient Research

Tennessee State University; McMinnville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee State University seeks a post-doctoral researcher to advance sustainable production practices for field-grown nursery crops. The role centers on developing micro-irrigation strategies, optimizing nutrients, and integrating weed management in woody ornamentals across Tennessee nurseries.

Collaboration with TSU and partner universities will drive field-based research and extension activities over a 2-year grant-funded period.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, weed science, or related field.
• Experience conducting field-based research in perennial woody crops (nursery or orchard) or agronomic crops.
• Experience working with soil/plant/environmental monitoring tools (data loggers, sensors, associated software, etc.)
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific writing skills including previously published articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Tennessee Pesticide Applicator license
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel to research sites in Tennessee

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based research focused on plant responses to irrigation, fertilizers, and soil amendments.
• Design, implementation, and management of experiments to evaluate plant growth, plant stress, soil moisture, soil nutrient status, and weed control efficacy.
• Data collection, organization, and analysis using appropriate statistical methods.
• Preparation of manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed scientific journals, extension publications, and technical reports.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and extension meetings.
• Assist with supervision of graduate students, interns and hourly employees in the program.
• Assist with grant management.
• Be able to operate a vehicle to collect samples from field studies.
• Be able to operate farm equipment (tractors, planters, bush hog mowers, etc.) or willing to learn. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds

Skills

Field research

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Irrigation management

Weed science

Education

PhD in horticulture

Tools

Data loggers

Sensors

Statistics software

Job description

Tennessee State University seeks a post-doctoral researcher to advance sustainable production practices for field-grown nursery crops. The role centers on developing micro-irrigation strategies, optimizing nutrients, and integrating weed management in woody ornamentals across Tennessee nurseries.

Collaboration with TSU and partner universities will drive field-based research and extension activities over a 2-year grant-funded period.