Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Soil System Modeling at the University of Kansas
Position Overview
A postdoctoral research position in soil system modeling is available at the University of Kansas in the Department of Geography and Atmospheric Science and the Kansas Biological Survey (KBS). We seek a dedicated individual driven to develop the modeling tools needed for a greater mechanistic understanding of the interaction between climate and soil properties. This individual should have a strong background in geochemical modeling and soil structure, and working knowledge of Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. In addition, this individual will need to show strength in working with large interdisciplinary teams, as this research will interface with the NSF Kansas ESPCoR program (Microbiomes of Aquatic, Plant and Soil systems), and a team of faculty and postdoctoral researchers from KU, Boise State, Penn State and UC-Riverside. The successful candidate will be asked to work across spatial scales focusing on two major goals over this two-year project:
- Linking geochemical models to hydrologic fluxes at the continental scale, and
- Integrating climate and biotic (i.e. vegetation and microbes) processes to evolution of soil structure across diverse model scales
In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for helping to facilitate access to data resources, develop climate-dependent pedotransfer functions, and share their growing knowledge via cross-institutional webinars.
Length of Appointment: Initial appointment is for two years, with the second year of the appointment contingent on postdoc’s progress and funding.
Job Description
70% Collaboratively conduct research in the area of soil system modeling across scales. Generate modeling tools and manuscripts publishable in top-quality, peer-reviewed journals. Participate in national and international conferences, and participate in proposal writing using data and ideas generated via these efforts.
10% Facilitate data access, documentation of model data, and version control across faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate/undergraduate students.
10% Develop and co-leading community wide webinars on soil ecosystem modeling.
5% Mentor undergraduate researchers in smaller soil ecosystem modeling projects.
5% Contribute to research and lab meetings, departmental seminars and general upkeep of lab.
Required Qualifications
Evaluation of the required qualification and preferred qualification will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, and (4) publications as appropriate.
- A Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, ecohydrology, or geochemistry or in a related field.
- Demonstrated capabilities in hydrologic or reactive transport modeling.
- Potential for and/or evidence of scientific productivity as evidenced by application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing soil sensor and modeling data.
- Experience working with large interdisciplinary teams.
- Experience managing access and publication of version controlled model.
- Experience with developing online webinars.
Contact Information to Applicants
Pamela Sullivan
(plsullivan@ku.edu)
Additional Candidate Instruction
Apply online and include Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Research Statement, Writing Sample with clear indication of all co-authors’ roles in writing, and names and contact information for 3 professional references.
Initial review of applications will begin Sept 16, 2018 and will continue as long as needed to identify a qualified pool.
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