Postdoctoral Fellow - Water Quality & Nutrient Management

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University’s Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow focusing on water quality and nutrient management. The appointment is non-tenure track, benefits-eligible, for an initial two-year term with renewal possible up to four years depending on performance and funding.

Start expected January 1, 2027. Responsibilities include designing and executing field and lab studies, handling rainfall simulations, edge-of-field monitoring, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, or closely related field.
• Experience with phosphorus transport models (APEX, SWAT) and hydrology.
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing for environmental data.
• Strong publication record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory studies on phosphorus transport and nutrient loss.
• Operate rainfall simulation experiments and edge-of-field monitoring equipment.
• Analyze water, soil, and environmental data and develop transport models.
• Prepare technical reports and manuscripts; present findings at meetings.

Skills

Phosphorus transport models (APEX, SWa

Education

Ph.D. in soil science or hydrology

Tools

APEX

SWAT

H-Flume

Autosamplers

Job description

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.

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