美国亚利桑那大学博士后职位

　　美国亚利桑那大学博士后职位

　　Environmental Science-Res (2421)

　　Position Information

　　TitlePostdoctoral Research Associate I

　　DepartmentEnvironmental Science-Res (2421)

　　LocationMain Campus

　　Position SummaryThis postdoctoral research position in the Blankinship Lab in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona is a year to year position with a second year contingent on funds and performance for up to 2 years. Preferred start date in January 2020. The selected postdoc will lead a project funded by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to advance the science of soil health in Arizona, particularly in croplands. This is part of a nationwide effort to assess a standard set of proposed soil health metrics ranging from physical (e.g., water-holding capacity) to chemical (e.g., organic matter) to biological (e.g., PLFA microbial biomass). The project will work to better define healthy and unhealthy soils—particularly the biological indicators and in the 40% of the world that is arid or semi-arid. The project will also investigate soil health metrics that best correlate with remote sensing techniques including Mid InfraRed (MIR) spectroscopy. The assessment will be conducted on an assortment of commercial, University, and USDA farms and ranches within the Sonoran Basin and Range Region (MLRA 40) and Southeastern Arizona Basin and Range Region (MLRA 41). The project will focus on cropland management systems and how agricultural conservation practices such as irrigation type, tillage, cover cropping, and organic amendments are affecting soil health over time. As time and resources allow, the postdoc will also explore effects of grazing intensity in rangelands. This project addresses basic and applied science—both the biogeochemical understanding of dryland agricultural systems and directly informing farmers and ranchers on how best to manage these soils, especially in the face of continued climate warming, drought, and water shortages in the southwestern US.

　　Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

　　The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

　　Duties & ResponsibilitiesThe postdoc will lead all aspects of the project (experimental design, sample collection, data analysis, publications, etc.) with technician and undergraduate student support in the field and lab. The postdoc will also work closely with NRCS staff on all aspects of the project to ensure scientific rigor, data usability, and stakeholder relevance. The postdoc will conduct a standard set of soil health metrics, but there are also lots of opportunities to be creative and innovative to advance the science of soil health in water-limited systems.

　　Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

　　Minimum QualificationsPh.D. in soil science, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, agronomy, or related field

　　Excellent communication skills in English

　　Proven ability to work independently in research laboratory and rugged field conditions

　　Preferred QualificationsPostdoctoral or equivalent experience

　　Proven experience and familiarity with arid and semi-arid cropping and rangeland systems

　　Proven experience and familiarity with complex data analysis and synthesis

　　FLSAExempt

　　Full Time/Part TimeFull Time

　　Number of Hours Worked per Week40

　　Job CategoryPostdoctoral Research

　　Benefits EligibleYes - Full Benefits

　　Posted Rate of Pay$47659.00

　　Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)