Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agrilife; Uvalde (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation days

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Professional development

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Uvalde, TX invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct cutting‑edge research on evapotranspiration monitoring and irrigation management for field and high‑value crops. The role involves sensors, data analytics, and crop modeling in a collaborative team setting.

The candidate will install equipment, analyze data, and contribute to publications and presentations, mentoring students while coordinating field activities across Texas and beyond.

Qualifications

• PhD in crop physiology, ecology, hydrology or agr engineering.
• Strong hypothesis formulation and experimental design skills.
• Peer‑reviewed publications and strong written English.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on crop ET monitoring using sensor data and models.
• Plan, install, and manage field equipment and sensors.
• Prepare results for publications and progress reports.
• Mentor students and coordinate field activities.

Skills

Hypothesis formulation

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in crop physiology or related field

Tools

Eddy covariance systems

Soil moisture sensors

Crop modeling software

Job description

**Job Title**Postdoctoral Research Associate**Agency**Texas A&M Agrilife Research**Department**Uvalde**Proposed Minimum Salary**Commensurate**Job Location**Uvalde, Texas**Job Type**Staff**Job Description**# **About Texas A&M AgriLife**Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.Click to learn more about joining AgriLife!# **Position Information****Job Summary:**The Postdoctoral Research Associate is responsible for conducting research in monitoring and modeling of evapotranspiration (ET) and irrigation management for field and high-value crops such as cotton, spinach, onions and corn. Research will be conducted in a team environment and will involve the use of ET and soil moisture sensors, and computer modeling tools to predict crop ET under field conditions.**Responsibilities:****70% Research*** Conduct research in crop ET monitoring using eddy covariance ET sensors and crop root-zone soil moisture sensors* Utilize knowledge of crop modeling and sensor data telemetry to complete irrigation management research projects in cotton, spinach, onions and corn* Analyze data and summarize results for publications in peer reviewed journals**20% Specific Duties*** Plan and install equipment and sensors to monitor ET and soil water content under field conditions* Use web-based ET modules to document and analyze seasonal crop water use* Prepare, collect and organize samples for plant growth and related biochemical analysis* Compile full documentation of the data and meta-data, including related computer and mathematical models used in data analysis* Participate in field activities such as planting, weeding, irrigating and harvesting experimental plots* Travel independently or in groups to field plots, growers' farms, and conference locations in Texas and other states when necessary* Other duties as assigned**5% Mentoring*** Assist, mentor, and/or supervise student researchers and/or graduate students who are working on research related to the project**5% Presentations*** Prepare presentations for research and extension field days and professional conferences* Prepare required technical progress reports for submission to research sponsors**Required Qualifications:*** PhD in the field of crop physiology, ecology, hydrology or agricultural engineering* Strong ability to formulate hypothesis, design experiments, handle scientific data, perform statistical analysis, and write scientific reports* Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals* Excellent written and oral English communication skills* Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others* Organizational skills* Ability to effectively communicate with faculty, students, and staff**Preferred Qualifications:*** Knowledge of Microsoft 365 application**Other Requirements:*** Valid Driver's License to be able to independently travel to various field site locations such as field plots, grower's farms and conference locations in Texas and other states when necessary Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends* Ability to lift or move heavy objects up to 50 pounds* Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions* Ability to establish effective working relationships# **What You Need to Know****Salary:** Compensation is commensurate with the candidate's qualifications.**Position Funding:** This is a one-year position funded through grants or contracts. Employment is contingent upon the continued availability of funding and satisfactory job performance.**Flexible Work Arrangements:** This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote work.**Important Notice Regarding H1-B Sponsorship:**Your employment at Texas A&M AgriLife may require nonimmigrant sponsorship. A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M AgriLife will NOT pay this fee. If the fee is imposed on your petition, this offer of employment will be revoked. If actions taken during your employment result in the imposition of this fee, your employment will be terminated. To the extent that this statement conflicts with any applicable System or member Policy, Regulation, or Rule, this statement will control. We recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense regarding potential implications.In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.**Benefits and Leave:*** (AgriLife contributes to premiums)* 12-15 annual paid holidays* Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation* Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas* Employee Wellness Initiative* Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs# **How to Apply**Applications must include all job application data or a complete resume. Incomplete applications may be rejected. Applicants are encouraged to upload a resume or use LinkedIn to prepopulate application fields.**Required Documents:*** CV / Resume* Cover Letter* List of References* Valid Driver's LicenseAll 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.As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.