Fellow (Post Doc)

About This Role:

The Agronomy Department at Kansas State University is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to be involved in interdisciplinary research in precision agriculture. We are seeking an individual passionate about precision water+energy management and sustainability.

The successful candidate will lead an on-farm precision irrigation systems (radar-based, computer controlled and precision mobile drip systems) to improve water use efficiency and crop productivity in Southern Great Plains. It involves integrating advanced data collection methods, including remote sensing, UAV technology, and machine learning models.

The candidate will be part of the Digital Agronomy Research Team (DART) and will be directly supervised by Dr. Gaurav Jha (gjha@ksu.edu). The candidate will have opportunities to work with KSU Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A) co-directors Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti and Dr. Susan Metzger. Why Join Us: Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits We Support Diversity and Inclusion: Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in agronomy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in agronomy, agricultural and biosystems engineering, geospatial statistics, computer information systems, or data Science.
• Estimate coupled water budgets using models.
• Ability to operate, adjust and maintain equipment used during the project. Equipment includes GPS units, UAVs, and associated electronic accessories & computers and sensors.
• Excellent computer, and data analytical skills, including the use of satellite data in agriculture.
• Strong competency in performing statistical and geo-statistical spatial analysis, summarizing data and writing reports.
• Competency with databases, spreadsheets, presentation, word processing, R, Python, Arc-GIS or similar GIS platforms and other similar GPS/GIS mapping packages, and UAVs.
• Experience working with canopy based water management data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, potential for collaborative research, ability to work independently and cooperatively. Must be willing to occasionally travel overnight.
• Coordinate project meetings and pursue new research directions with collaborative team related to digital agriculture.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter (2 pages limit)
2. Resume or CV
3. Contact Information of three professional references
4. Sample writing document

Screening of Applications Begins: Screening begins on August 1, 2024 and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$ 48,000 - $65,000 per year    

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. Background Screening Statement: In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.