Post-Doctoral Fellow- Precision Irrigation Research and Extension

The department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University is seeking candidates for a Post-Doctoral Fellow/Scientist to conduct irrigation research and extension activities that include the evaluation of soil and crops sensing technologies for irrigation scheduling as well as variable rate irrigation. This is a benefits eligible, non-tenure track position. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with a good possibility of renewal up to a maximum of a three year period depending on performance and funding availability.

The irrigation research will involve estimation of crop water use using novel methodologies (e.g. remote sensing or soil sensing integrated into artificial intelligence algorithms), generation of irrigation prescriptions, and the evaluation of different deficit irrigation strategies, evaluation of canopy temperature sensors for irrigation scheduling, development of canopy-temperature-based algorithms for irrigation scheduling, development of soil water tension-based irrigation scheduling thresholds for corn, cotton peanut, and soybean crops, evaluation of different irrigation scheduling methodologies (soil and crop sensing). Expertise on the use of crop growth simulation models applied to irrigation water management will be desirable. The individual selected for the position should be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of various scientific disciplines to collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of weather, climate, soil, water, plant growth, crop yield, and other sources is essential. He/she will also assist with the implementation and development of various Conservation and Innovation funded projects by NRCS and also with the project "Alabama Precision Agriculture Learning Network", which is a project focused on the on-farm demonstration and evaluation of precision agriculture technologies and site-specific management strategies in Alabama. The individual selected for the position should have a strong publication record with emphasis on irrigation water management and demonstrate his/her ability to organize and present at extension events. This individual should write and publish a minimum of two high impact journal articles per year.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Evaluation of several soil and crop sensing technologies for irrigation scheduling on corn, soybean, cotton, and peanut; evaluation and training related to irrigation scheduling strategies (rate and frequency); evaluation of deficit irrigation strategies, evaluation and training on the use and implementation of variable rate irrigation, evaluation and development of canopy-temperature-based irrigation scheduling algorithms,; preparation of manuscripts for publication (minimum two per year); preparation of extension publications and extension blogs; organizing and help conducting workshops and field days with producers; preparing technical reports; and presenting preliminary results of the irrigation projects during farmers and professional meetings.

The minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, or Biological Engineering and Agricultural Engineering by the expected position start date. The successful candidate must demonstrate past experience working on irrigation projects (research and/or industry) and the ability to conduct research and write scientific articles [journal articles already published in high impact international journals (e.g., irrigation water management, irrigation sciences, Transactions of ASABE)]. The candidate must demonstrate experience working with soil sensors for irrigation scheduling and variable rate irrigation, knowledge and experience conducting statistical analyses, and use of canopy temperature sensors for irrigation scheduling. He/she should also demonstrate experience preparing extension publications and must be able to work effectively in a large interdisciplinary research team and regularly communicate project results. The individual selected for the position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States by the start date and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Applicants must apply for the position electronically through https://www.auemployment.com/postings/34380
and submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) current curriculum vita, 3) copies of all academic transcripts, and 4) representative manuscripts. When prompted during the on-line application process, please provide names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references. Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Only complete application materials will be considered.

For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Brenda Ortiz at bvo0001@auburn.edu

Auburn University is a land-grant institution with a student enrollment of more than 31,500. The University provides instruction in approximately 70 academic departments and maintains graduate research and public service programs of a broad scope. The University is located in the city of Auburn in east-central Alabama near the metropolitan areas of Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and Columbus and Atlanta, Georgia.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.