Postdoctoral Fellow - Water Quality & Nutrient Management

Auburn University; Alabama; Sur place; USD 60 000 - 75 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Auburn University in Alabama invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance water quality and phosphorus management research. The appointment is non-tenure track for two years with possible renewal up to four years, and starts January 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will conduct field and lab studies, implement rainfall simulations, analyze water samples, and apply APEX/SWAT models. Travel to monitoring sites and data-driven reporting are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, or closely related field.
• Expertise in phosphorus transport models such as APEX and SWAT; knowledge of P-Index and hydrology.
• Experience in phosphorus chemistry and water quality.
• Experience in rainfall simulations and edge-of-field monitoring devices, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Expertise in GIS and remote sensing technologies.
• Solid publication record.

Responsabilités

• Conduct research on phosphorus transport and nutrient loss from agricultural fields, including planning, setup, and execution of field and laboratory studies.
• Set up, operate, and maintain rainfall simulation experiments and edge-of-field monitoring equipment; travel to monitoring sites to collect data.
• Analyze samples in labs and generate water-quality data to evaluate nutrient transport models.
• Apply field data and evaluate phosphorus transport models (APEX, SWAT); use P-Index and hydrologic information to assess phosphorus-loss risk.
• Use GIS and remote-sensing tools to organize, analyze, visualize, and interpret spatial and environmental datasets.
• Manage, process, quality-check, and statistically analyze research data; maintain complete documentation of methods and datasets.
• Interpret and synthesize results, prepare technical reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts, and present findings at meetings.

Connaissances

Phosphorus models

P-Index

Water quality

Rainfall simulations

Edge-of-field monitoring

GIS

Remote sensing

Publications

Formation

Ph.D. in soil science/hydrology or related

Outils

GIS software

Remote sensing tools

Description du poste

Overview

The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University is seeking a candidate for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow. This is a benefits eligible, non-tenure track position. The appointment is for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of a four-year period depending on performance and funding availability. The individual selected for this position will assist with research focused on water quality and nutrient management. The expected start date is January 1, 2027.

Applicants must upload/attach the following documents in the application system: 1) cover letter, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of academic transcripts. Only complete application materials will be considered. Active review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026, but the search will continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct research on phosphorus transport and nutrient loss from agricultural fields, including the planning, setup, and execution of field and laboratory studies.
• Set up, operate, and maintain rainfall simulation experiments and edge-of-field monitoring equipment such as H-Flume, autosamplers; collect water, soil, and related environmental data and samples. The position requires extensive travel to visit monitoring sites to collect water quality data.
• Analyze samples in lab and generate water-quality data to evaluate nutrient transport models.
• Apply field data and evaluate phosphorus transport models, including APEX and SWAT, and use P-Index and hydrologic information to assess phosphorus-loss risk.
• Use GIS and remote-sensing tools to organize, analyze, visualize, and interpret spatial and environmental datasets relevant to nutrient and water-quality research.
• Manage, process, quality-check, and statistically analyze research data; maintain complete documentation of methods, datasets, and research activities.
• Interpret and synthesize results, prepare technical reports and peer-reviewed manuscripts, and present research findings at scientific and professional meetings.

Qualifications

The minimum qualification is an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in soil science, hydrology, or closely related field at the time employment begins. Knowledge/experience in the following areas is required:

• Expertise in phosphorus transport models such as APEX, SWAT. Knowledge of P-Index, hydrology.
• Experience in phosphorous chemistry, water quality.
• Experience in Rainfall simulations, Edge of Field monitoring devices, set up, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Expertise in GIS and remote sensing technologies
• Solid track record of publications.

The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in phosphorus transport models such as APEX, SWAT. Knowledge of P-Index, hydrology.
• Experience in phosphorous chemistry, water quality.
• Experience in Rainfall simulations, Edge of Field monitoring devices, set up, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Expertise in GIS and remote sensing technologies
• Solid track record of publications.

Contract Type

Limited Term

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact:Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone:Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance'swebsite to learn more.