TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate Irrigation Management

Lubbock

39982BR

Plant and Soil Science

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

About the Department and/or College

Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.
The Department:
The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions

A Post Doc position is available in the Davis College Water Center at Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX). The research focus is on different aspects related to irrigation management and water conservation using sensors. The position requires a wide range of knowledge and skills that cover aspects related to small plot research to carry out hypothesis-based research, test and standardize tools and approaches to conserve water, working experience in using ground and aerial remote sensing systems to develop innovative means to increase water productivity in the region.
Major responsibilities/Essential Functions
* Develop new tools or methods for enhancing water conservation both in small-scale research plots and also on producer fields by integrating ground and aerial-based sensing systems
* Involve actively in extending new and innovative technology tested on research plots to producer fields across a wide range of cropping and water management systems, in different counties in west Texas
* Lead the establishment of a sensor-based demonstration bub for comparing different sensor commercial technologies including eddy covariance tower on research/producer plot and deploy selected technology on producer fields across west Texas
* Develop into a point of contact to deal with incoming data, data analysis and interpretation and reporting based on information generated from the demonstration hub and shared by producers as a part of the TAWC (Texas Alliance for Water Conservation) network, and work with the colleagues in the economic department and help in developing budgets based on the same dataset received by the producers
* Involved actively in data analysis, interpretation and developing peer reviewed publications, draft project reports and participate in developing proposals related to water conservation
* Willing to work as a team member and available to help other team members during peak summer season

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or Irrigation Engineering with expertise in Irrigation Management. Ability to establish and maintain small plot research, demonstrate expertise in ground and aerial-based sensor systems related to irrigation management and water conservation, big data analysis, strong statistical skills, and drafting peer-reviewed publications.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a three-year position with an available start date of March 15, 2025; however, the start date can be flexible. Applicants must utilize the Texas Tech University job portal to apply. Inquiries can be sent to Dr. Krishna Jagadish (kjagadish.sv@ttu.edu). Please use "Irrigation management" in the subject line.

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Research Statement, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Research Staff

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.