Post Doctoral Research Associate- Soil and Water Conservation

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

0801795

Classification Title

Post Doctoral Research Associate- Soil and Water Conservation

Working Title

Department

Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP)

Department Contact Email

ssubburayalu@centralstate.edu

Job Summary/Basic Function

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Information and Management (
ANRIM ) lab in the College of Science and Engineering at Central
State University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to
work on research projects related to soil and water conservation in
agricultural and natural systems. The selected candidate is
expected to have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
modeling contaminant flow and transport at various geospatial
scales, process-based modeling of soil organic matter
transformations, soil metagenomics and proteomics and isotope
geochemistry. The selected candidate will be responsible for field
data collection, laboratory analysis, data synthesis, manuscript
preparation and publications. The candidate will also assist the
supervisor with report preparation, data analysis, and manuscript
writing. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to
work independently and as a team to achieve the research
objectives. The candidate is also expected to supervise
undergraduate researchers engaged in the research activities. The
candidate must be proficient in research design creation, data
collection and data analysis in their area of expertise and be
willing to learn the design, data collection and data analysis in
unfamiliar areas. The position involves travel to meetings with
collaborators, and selected study sites for data collection, and
attending national and regional conferences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Design experiments to apply and test the identified

hypothesis

• Travel to field sites for data collection
• Analytical method development in the lab
• Assist with calibration and preventative maintenance of lab

equipment and develop standard operating procedures for newly
developed methods.

• Mentor and advise undergraduate students
• Attend national and regional conferences
• Write and edit technical reports, and manuscripts
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the

supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil and water conservation related disciplines

including but not limited to soil science, environmental
engineering, geology, microbiology and chemistry

• Demonstrated skills in instrument operation, data collection, and

analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in one or more of the

following focus areas: modeling contaminant flow and transport at
various geospatial scales, process-based modeling of soil organic
matter transformations, soil metagenomics and proteomics and
application of isotope geochemistry in agricultural systems.

• Experience working with one or more of the following instruments:

ICP - OES, ICP -MS, CN Analyzer, IRMS, Orbitrap Mass spectrometry,
HPLC, GC-MS, GCMS/MS

• Involvement in professional associations or organizations

Posting Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to
work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their
employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas
for this position now or in the future.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture ( USDA ) civil rights regulations and policies, the
USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions
participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion,
sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental
status, income derived from a public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights
activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint
filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TTY ) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at
(800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made
available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How
to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office
or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all
of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the
complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or
letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office
of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442;
or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.

The initial appointment is for three years with a potential to
extend beyond the three years depending on the funding
availability. The renewal of the appointment each year is based on
the performance of the candidate during annual evaluations.

For further information, please contact Dr. Sakthi Kumaran at
937-376-6561; by email to ssubburayalu@centralstate.edu.

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Contact information for three references
• Copy of academic transcripts

All offer of employment at Central State University are contingent
upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.
This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education
and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if
applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.

Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job
responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding
sources.

Failure to successfully complete the required background check or
provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal
of an offer or termination of employment.

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary

Commensurate with experience

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents