Postdoctoral Research Scholar

About the Role

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences encompasses varied disciplines in research, extension, and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed, turf, biofuels, and fiber in North Carolina, the nation, and the world.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research to develop and elucidate bio-physical-chemical mechanisms that regulate soil carbon sequestration, nitrogen retention, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation in agricultural systems.
• Focus on understanding how soil amendments derived from bioenergy production byproducts influence soil processes and ecosystem sustainability.
• Collect soil samples and set up microcosm experiments.
• Measure soil fluxes of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
• Conduct metagenomic DNA extraction and shotgun sequencing.
• Perform bioinformatics and statistical data analyses.
• Prepare manuscripts and present research findings in professional meetings.
• Work closely with team members and help train graduate students.
• Design experiments, collect and analyze data, and prepare manuscripts.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics (e.g., biogeochemistry, microbiology, ecology).
• Experience with contemporary techniques in soil physics, chemistry, and microbiology.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Retirement and Leave benefits.
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.
• Career enhancement with LEAD courses.
• Free attendance at non-revenue generating sporting events.
• Work-life balance support including Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs.

Perks and benefits eligibility is based on part-time or full-time employment status.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $58,656 – $60,000.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.

Location: Raleigh, NC.