Description

DESCRIPTION: The Nutrient Management and Water Quality group (https://go.umd.edu/Toor), housed in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, seeks candidates for a postdoctoral researcher position to optimize nutrient use efficiency for Maryland row cropping systems. The position will focus on phosphorus (75%) and nitrogen (25%). The initial appointment will be for one year, with a possible extension based on performance and funding availability. 

POSITION SUMMARY: Nitrogen and phosphorus are critical nutrients for crop production and pollutants in water bodies such as the Chesapeake Bay. The selected candidate for this position will investigate nutrient transformations (with a focus on P and N) in agricultural soils. The specific responsibilities of this position include (1) conducting field (and lab) research to decipher the fate of nutrients in soils using wet chemistry approaches, labeled and stable isotopes, and other advanced techniques; (2) develop new guidelines for using various waste products (biosolids, manure) to advance farmer's productivity and environmental sustainability goals; (3) liaison with collaborating farmers, non-profits, and state agency personnel to advance the state of nutrients science in the state and region; and (4) collaborate with existing personnel in the group and be a resource and leader for field-based soil research. The position split will be approximately 25% field work, 50% lab work, and 25% writing (papers, reports, fact sheets, grants); these may change per project needs.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION: A Ph.D. in soil biogeochemistry, plant science, agronomy, soil fertility, ecology, or a related field with an emphasis on studying phosphorus and/or nitrogen in crop production systems. Candidates with experience in row crops (corn-soybean) are preferred. The successful candidate must have completed a Ph.D. within the last 5 years and possess a valid US driver's license. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION/SKILLS: Knowledge of crop production systems in the US; experience conducting field research; experience using wet chemistry and isotopic approaches; understanding of N and P fate in agricultural soils; ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strong statistical skills and demonstrated proficiency with R or another statistical program and visualization tools.