Postdoctoral Soil Scientist Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-DBSFRC-2016-0177
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A Postdoctoral Soil Scientist Research Oportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, AR. 

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the candidate will integrate landscape-scale soil function with best management practices and overall forage production within grazed, harvested for hay and/or biomass production systems.  The candidate will study the role of soil systems and the related response for nutrient applications, soil water availability, forage yield, livestock grazing, and other aspects of forage production systems.  Responsibilities may include digital soil mapping, watershed modeling, gathering field data, collecting samples (soil, water, and/or plant material), analyzing samples in the laboratory, conducting statistical analyses, interpreting results, writing and publishing manuscripts.

The appointment is full-time for 12 months and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment.  Stipend rates are determined by ARS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, ARS, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.  Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctoral degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agriculture Engineering or a closely related field, have knowledge of digital soil mapping techniques and forage crops, and have experience in field and laboratory research.

The successful candidate must have:

  • Proficiencies in computer skills, data collection, and statistical analyses
  • Strong communication skills
  • The ability to design experiments, initiate research projects, and participate effectively in team projects

Preferred skills include:

  • Broad knowledge of soil-landscape interactions, soil-water relationships, watershed modeling, forage production systems, silvopasture systems, grazing management, and nutrient management
  • Extensive experience with research equipment, field plot techniques, and laboratory analyses of soil
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )