Post Doctoral Research Associate- Soil and Water Conservation

Central State University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Central State University seeks a Post Doctoral Research Associate to advance soil and water conservation research in agricultural and natural systems. The candidate will model contaminant transport, perform lab analyses, and collect field data while collaborating with the ANRIM lab.

Travel to sites and conferences is expected, and supervision of undergraduate researchers is included. The role requires a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil and water conservation related disciplines.
• Proven ability to design experiments and analyze data.
• Experience in field data collection and lab work.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments to test hypotheses.
• Travel to field sites for data collection.
• Analytical method development in the lab.
• Assist with calibration and maintenance of lab equipment; develop SOPs.
• Mentor undergraduate students.
• Attend national and regional conferences.
• Write and edit technical reports and manuscripts.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Data analysis

Field data collection

Lab methods

Independent worker

Education

PhD in soil and water conservation

Tools

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

CN Analyzer

IRMS

Orbitrap MS

HPLC

GC-MS

GCMS/MS

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate- Soil and Water Conservation

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at [phone] (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at [phone]. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call [phone]. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: [phone]; or (3) email: [e-mail]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

The initial appointment is for three years with a potential to extend beyond the three years depending on the funding availability. The renewal of the appointment each year is based on the performance of the candidate during annual evaluations.

For further information, please contact Dr. Sakthi Kumaran at 937-376-6561; by email to [e-mail].

All offer of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.

Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.

Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Posting Number

0801795

Classification Title

Post Doctoral Research Associate- Soil and Water Conservation

Department

Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)

Department Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Information and Management ( ANRIM ) lab in the College of Science and Engineering at Central State University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work on research projects related to soil and water conservation in agricultural and natural systems. The selected candidate is expected to have expertise in one or more of the following areas: modeling contaminant flow and transport at various geospatial scales, process-based modeling of soil organic matter transformations, soil metagenomics and proteomics and isotope geochemistry. The selected candidate will be responsible for field data collection, laboratory analysis, data synthesis, manuscript preparation and publications. The candidate will also assist the supervisor with report preparation, data analysis, and manuscript writing. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a team to achieve the research objectives. The candidate is also expected to supervise undergraduate researchers engaged in the research activities. The candidate must be proficient in research design creation, data collection and data analysis in their area of expertise and be willing to learn the design, data collection and data analysis in unfamiliar areas. The position involves travel to meetings with collaborators, and selected study sites for data collection, and attending national and regional conferences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design experiments to apply and test the identified hypothesis
• Travel to field sites for data collection
• Analytical method development in the lab
• Assist with calibration and preventative maintenance of lab equipment and develop standard operating procedures for newly developed methods.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate students
• Attend national and regional conferences
• Write and edit technical reports, and manuscripts
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil and water conservation related disciplines including but not limited to soil science, environmental engineering, geology, microbiology and chemistry
• Demonstrated skills in instrument operation, data collection, and analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in one or more of the following focus areas: modeling contaminant flow and transport at various geospatial scales, process-based modeling of soil organic matter transformations, soil metagenomics and proteomics and application of isotope geochemistry in agricultural systems.
• Experience working with one or more of the following instruments: ICP - OES , ICP -MS, CN Analyzer, IRMS , Orbitrap Mass spectrometry, HPLC , GC-MS, GCMS/MS
• Involvement in professional associations or organizations

Posting Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary

Commensurate with experience

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).