Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Biological & Agricultural Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

●30%: Laboratory Analysis and Treatment Evaluation - Conduct laboratory analyses of manure, lagoon wastewater, and treatment samples etc. Prepare and conduct treatment as well as evaluate treatment processes. Maintain laboratory records, QA/QC procedures, inventory, and safety compliance etc.

●30%: Results Interpretation, Reporting, and Documentation - Conduct result analysis and interpretation of laboratory and field results. Organize, summarize, and evaluate datasets related to manure, wastewater, and treatment performance. Prepare technical summaries, internal reports, figures, and documentation for research teams and stakeholders. Maintain digital records of experiments, sampling events, and field activities etc.

●20%: Field Manure and Mortality Sampling and On-Farm Research Support - Collect and analyze field samples from animal farms and wastewater treatment units. Assist with setup and monitoring of pilot-scale or field-scale trials, such as solids separation, polymer dosing trials, and lagoon monitoring activities. Operate manure pumps, samplers, sensors, and related field equipment.

●10%: Extension and Outreach Support - Contribute to the development of producer-focused materials, including fact sheets, presentations, demonstrations, and outreach content, to support the growth and development of the industry. Assist Extension personnel during on-farm visits, workshops, or meetings to communicate research findings and best management practices for manure and wastewater treatment. Also required to work on website and social media platform development.

●10%: Performs Other Duties as Assigned - Support additional research, field, laboratory, outreach, or administrative tasks as needed.

Required Education and Experience

● Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, specializing in manure and mortality management.

Preferred Education and Experience:

●Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field.

● Hands-on experience with laboratory analysis related to manure and mortality samples.

● Experience conducting research in agricultural and environmental systems.

● Familiarity with manure solids/liquid separation, anaerobic digester, composting, nutrient analysis, lagoon management, and manure processing etc.

● Understanding of Extension principles, agricultural operations, and waste management practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

●Knowledge of standard laboratory procedures

●Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain detailed lab/field records.

●Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and materials.

●Ability to work independently and as part of a research and Extension team.

●Strong problem-solving skills in applied agricultural settings.

Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

●Knowledge of standard laboratory procedures for manure and mortality management and analysis.

●Proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.

Other Requirements:

In order to be considered for this position prior to your doctoral degree being conferred, please attach a letter from your school’s official Graduate Office, Registrar’s Office or PhD Committee Chair certifying that all requirements for the doctoral degree have been met and stating the degree conferral date.

All 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.