Postdoctoral Research Associate
Washington State University

Job Info

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Available Title(s):

306-YN_FACULTY - Postdoctoral Research AssociateBusiness Title:Postdoctoral Research AssociateEmployee Type:Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)Time Type:Full timePosition Term:12 MonthPosition Details:

Summary of Duties:

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team for a project focused on soil nutrient analysis in agricultural landscapes across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The successful candidate will play a key role in investigating the accuracy and effectiveness of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry for soil and plant nutrient assessment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Soil Sampling and Characterization: Lead the collection of soil samples from diverse farms across Washington State and the PNW, ensuring representation of a wide range of soil characteristics.

• Laboratory Experimentation: Design and implement experiments to simulate varying phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrient concentrations in soil samples, spanning from very low to very high levels.

• pXRF Measurement: Perform pXRF measurements on soil samples following proper incubation and processing protocols. Validate pXRF accuracy by conducting traditional wet chemistry extraction methods for soil nutrient availability on subsamples and comparing the results.

• Evaluate Calibration Techniques: Evaluate different calibration techniques, including dried, saturated paste (SP), and post-water extraction SP conditions, to assess accuracy and moisture correction requirements of pXRF measurements.

• Field Validation: Validate the pXRF instrument in the field for direct measurements and assess accuracy based on calibration and validation samples.

• Plant Material Analysis: Evaluate wheat and canola plant materials using pXRF for mineral content assessment and calibrate with traditional wet chemistry methods.

• Greenhouse Experiments: Conduct greenhouse experiments to enhance and fine-tune portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) measurements for soil and plant analysis, facilitating rapid data acquisition.

• Statistical Analysis: Analyze data using practical and easily applicable statistical models, with a primary focus on linear regression (LR), to evaluate calibration accuracy and relationships between pXRF measurements and actual available nutrient levels. Explore non-linear, multiple linear regression, and other models when LR is insufficient.

• Dissemination: Publish results along the way in peer-reviewed journals and present results to grower/lay audiences.

Note: The specific duties and responsibilities may vary based on the evolving needs of the research project.

Contact Joao Antonangelo (joao.antonangelo@wsu.edu) with any questions about the position.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or related field.

• Strong background in soil nutrient analysis techniques, including pXRF (and/or other sensor technology) spectrometry and traditional wet chemistry methods.

• Experience in fieldwork, soil sampling, and experimental design.

• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with greenhouse experiments and plant nutrient analysis.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Crop and Soil Sciences

City, State, Zip:

Pullman, WA, 99164

Department Link:

https://css.wsu.edu/

Annual Salary:

$55,000.00 - $60,000.00

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Faculty-and-AP.pdf

Find total compensation information here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime Eligible

FTE:

100%

This is a Temporary position.

This temporary position is expected to end two (2) year from start date. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by June 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application.

Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications.

Required Documents:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application.

1) Cover letter

2) Curriculum Vitae

3) Copies of academic transcripts (submitted as one PDF document)

4) Writing sample (e.g., journal article or dissertation chapter)

5) Names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers for three (3) professional references.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

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