Job Openings

Open position: Texas A&M Research Associate in ecology and climate-smart agriculture (open by 4/25/2024)

Starting date: Application review will continue until the position is filled. 

Application Due: Open until filled. 

Position: Research Associate. 12-month appointment renewed annually based on performance and funds availability. Competitive salary with benefits.

Requisition number: R-072783

Offered by: Texas A&M Agrilife Research @ Vernon, TX

Where: Vernon, Texas

Lab supervisor: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas

Research fields: ecology, climate-smart agriculture

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Perform independent roles in research projects in ecology and climate-smart agriculture. Research activities will require an advanced level of knowledge in these fields and will require consistent use of discretion and judgement. The successful candidate will operate research equipment, and help supervise graduate students and other lab/field personnel in research.

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Lab combines novel lab, field and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Our focus is to find answers to one of today’s grand challenges: How can we sustainably provide sufficient food, feed and energy as the population continues to grow while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of agricultural and managed land? The successful candidate will contribute to projects that aim at: 1) investigating how biochar amendment affects the C cycling of grassland ecosystems in Texas; 2) studying how climate-change resilience plant traits affect the biogeochemistry of canes in the Southern US; and, 3) investigating how utility-scale photovoltaics influence provisioning and supporting ecosystem services and soil organic carbon dynamics in rangelands.

 

RESPONSABILITIES
-Plan, conduct and coordinate experiments in support of various research projects in ecology and climate-smart agriculture.

-Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques of routine research including state-of-the-art scientific methods (canopy/soil/lab-based exchange chamber and stable isotopes methods, eddy covariance, biometric and biogeochemical methods)

- Keep detailed records of data.
-Use computers and laboratory or technical equipment to perform data analysis, statistical analysis, and technical evaluation of research experiments and results
-Summarize results for inclusion in scientific and clientele-oriented publications.
-Maintain financial accounts related to research projects.
-Help supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical or field staff involved in research.
-Install, operate and/or repair research equipment.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
-Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
-Two years of related professional experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
-Ability to work independently

-Ability to effectively analyze information and make reasoned judgments

-Familiarity with appropriate laboratory and/or technical equipment including state-of-the-art scientific methods (canopy/soil/lab-based exchange chamber and stable isotopes methods, eddy covariance, biometric and biogeochemical methods)
-Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.

-Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should upload

1) A cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum)

2) A resume or CV, and

3) Names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 

TO: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AgriLife_Research_External/details/Research-Associate_R-072783?q=VERNON

 

The position will remain open until filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘Research Associate_ R-072783’ for more information.


Open position: Archbold Biological Station & Texas A&M Project Technician in climate-smart bioenergy crops (open by 4/19/2024)


Starting Date: June, 2024; Application Due: May 7, 2024

 

Position: Full-time research technician. 12-month appointment renewed annually based on performance. Competitive salary with full benefits.

Offered by: Texas A&M, and Archbold Biological Station

Where: Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (Lake Placid, FL); www.archbold-station.org

Research field: climate-smart agriculture, environmental sustainability, bioenergy, biogeosciences.

 

DESCRIPTION

Archbold Biological Station’s Buck Island Ranch (BIR), and Texas A&M (TAMU) seek a full-time technician to work in a collaborative effort integrated within the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), a $115 million initiative by the US Department of Energy for the development of a sustainable bioenergy industry.

 

The research will be conducted at BIR, a biological station that operates as full-scale working cattle ranch providing a unique platform for long-term agro-ecology research. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas (Assistant Professor in Regenerative System Ecology, TAMU), in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Boughton (BIR Research Director and Biologist).

 

The project investigates the environmental sustainability of sugarcane for biofuel production. Key objectives are to investigate how climate-smart strategies (green harvest and biochar) affect yields, belowground processes and the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) of bioenergy crops.

 

THE POSITION

This is a non-tenured, full time, 7-month position, and can be renewed annually for an additional two years, contingent on progress, and the availability of funds. Duties may change as contract or grant turnover occurs. Competitive salary with full benefits.

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn basic biogeochemistry skills and gain experience in a wide range of research techniques and equipment, both in the field and in the laboratory, and data compilation, processing and analysis depending on experience. Field work includes assisting with the maintenance of eddy covariance towers – a state of the art method for high frequency monitoring of ecosystem greenhouse gas exchange –, direct measurements of soil CO2 and non-CO2 trace gas emissions, and soil, water and biomass (plant) samplings. In the lab, the technician will aid with soil, water and biomass sample processing, and preparing and maintaining field equipment and supplies. The successful candidate will train and supervise research interns that assist with field and lab work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field; basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel).

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Research experience in the field and in the laboratory related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil and water sampling, gas chromatography, eddy covariance); experience working on farms and with farmers; experience working in subtropical and tropical sugarcane plantations and rangeland. Demonstrated knowledge of troubleshooting environmental monitoring equipment is desired.

 

THE STATION

The position is located at BIR, a 10,500-acre cattle ranch near Lake Placid, FL, with potential shared housing available on site. Here are two documentaries about Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_WhY3aZB0 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGV_G6dnYHg ).  Buck Island Ranch is separated from the main Archbold Biological Station by about 20 miles.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should send

1) a letter of application,

2) a resume or CV with relevant coursework and experience, and

3) names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 

To: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas at nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu

 

With Subject: ‘FL CABBI climate-smart project technician’

 

Application deadline is May 7, 2024. The position will remain opened until filled.

 

Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via e-mail for more information.

 

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Archbold Expeditions is committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into our organization. Archbold does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ability, ethnicity, political ideology, religion, national origin, and all other classifications protected by federal, state, or local law.

 

Archbold Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups

 

Please fill out this anonymous survey to contribute to our applicant database. Your responses will not be associated with your application or shared with hiring managers. 

           

 


Open position: Texas Tech/Texas A&M AgriLife Research fully funded M.S. student in climate-smart agriculture, and C and H2O cycling (posted by 3/20/2024)

Start date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Fully funded M.S student in climate-smart agriculture, and C and H2O cycling

Offered by: Texas Tech/Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Department’s application deadline: May 25, 2024

Lab supervisor: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, Assistant Professor

Research fields: biogeochemistry, climate-smart agriculture

 

DESCRIPTION

The Lewis and Gomez-Casanovas Labs are seeking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated student to investigate how climate smart strategies (soil amendment with microalgae) affect the CO2 and H2O cycling of agricultural land in Texas. The successful candidate will join the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University under the supervision of Dr. Lewis, Associate Professor, and Dr. Gomez-Casanovas, Assistant Professor.

 

The successful applicant will conduct biogeochemistry-focused research using state-of-the-art techniques (eddy covariance, gas-exchange methods, and biometric methods). Ideally, the student will start in Summer or Fall 2024. This is a funded position supported by a research assistantship that includes tuition and fees, health insurance and competitive salary. The selected student will be expected to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.

 

The Labs combine novel lab, field and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research at Texas Tech University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

-Bachelor's degree in biology or related field.

-Great written and oral communication skills

-Ability to work independently and with a team

-Clear interest in biogeochemistry

 

DEPARTMENT GRADUATE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

-GPA higher than 3.0 out of 4.0 (3.25 preferred)

-International students, TOEFL (internet-based test) of 85 or greater


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

-Previous experience in a research laboratory

-Experience using eddy covariance, gas-exchange methods, and biometric methods.

-Demonstrated coursework in biogeochemistry, crop sciences and agroecology.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should email

1) a statement of interest (2 pages maximum)

2) a resume or CV

3) copy of GPA, and

4) names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 

To: Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘MS assistantship in climate-smart agriculture, and C and H2O cycling’.

 

The review of candidate applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) for more information.


Open position: Texas A&M Postdoctoral Research Associate in climate-smart strategies and impact on the biogeochemistry of bioenergy crops (open by 4/18/2024) 

Start date: Application review will continue until the position is filled. 

Application Due: Open until filled. 

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate. 12-month appointment renewed annually based on performance and funds availability. Competitive salary with benefits ($50,000 + health insurance + retirement benefits).

Requisition number: R-069899

Offered by: Texas A&M Agrilife Research @ Vernon, TX

Where: Vernon, Texas

Lab supervisor: Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas

Research fields: climate-smart, bioenergy, biogeochemistry

 

Job Description

Assist the project leader (Assistant Professor in Regenerative System Ecology) in research projects related to investigating smart-climate solutions for cane cultivation in the Southern United States.

 

Program Description

The successful candidate will contribute to the groundbreaking research in understanding how climate-smart strategies (green harvest and biochar amendments) affect the biogeochemistry of cane in the Southeast US. The position is funded by the Sustainability Theme in the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The Lab combines novel lab, field and modeling experiments in a holistic way to advance science at the nexus of Food, Energy and Environmental Security. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a vibrant and diverse research community (59 faculty-level Co-PIs, 184 postdocs and technicians, and 143 students) promoting a culture of collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Our focus is to find answers to one of today’s grand challenges: How can we provide sustainable sources of energy that meet societal needs as the population continues to grow?

 

Responsibilities

·       Design and conduct field and laboratory experiments with focus on carbon, nitrogen and water biogeochemistry using an array of state-of-the-art scientific methods (biometric, canopy/soil exchange chamber and stable isotopes).

·       Supervise technicians and undergraduates.

·       Coordinate research activities with a large team of collaborators.

·       Present data in scientific meetings.

·       Prepare manuscripts for publication.

 

Required Education and Experience

·       A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field

·       Experience with laboratory and field work

·       Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals


Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·       Excellent English writing and oral communication skills

·       Strong organizational skills

·       Ability to work in a collaborative environment

·       Ability to multitask

·       Ability to travel/drive to research sites in Florida and locations in the Southeast US

·   Basic statistical skills

 

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·       Experience in quantitative approaches including eddy covariance technique as well as stable isotope, plant/soil/canopy exchange methods. 

·       Experience working with bioenergy crops. 

·       Ability to engage in modeling activities.

·   Basic programming skills (R, Python…)

 

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should upload

1) A cover letter clearly explaining your research interests/experience and suitability for the advertised position (2 pages maximum)

2) A resume or CV, and

3) Names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references

 

TO: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AgriLife_Research_External/job/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-069899

 

The position will remain open until filled. Contact Dr. Gomez-Casanovas via email (nuri.gomez-casanovas@ag.tamu.edu) with subject line ‘Postdoctoral Research Associate_ R-069899’ for more information.