Position Function:
Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, is seeking a two-year postdoctoral research associate to work with USDA-ARS Crop Production Systems Research Unit (CPSRU), located in Stoneville, MS. We seek an innovative and highly motivated candidate to contribute to developing high resolution remote sensing-based crop phenological data products and leveraging climate models for Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV) watershed region. The candidate will have ample opportunities for professional development activities and multidisciplinary collaboration across and within the university and USDA-ARS.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research and outreach programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state.
The program's purpose is to provide a coordinated research and development program that contributes to the solution of water and water-related land use problems in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.
Area of Specialization:
Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, or Environmental Sciences
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•Collect observational and remote sensing data (primarily UAV) from multiple sources, including corn and soybean experiments conducted by USDA-ARS CPSRU and MSU’s Eddy Covariance sites in Mississippi Delta to produce datasets to integrate and/or assimilate into the agroecosystem and climate models.
•Utilize satellite-based vegetation indices and timeseries data for corn, soybean, and rice pixels to identify agronomic practices and crop phenology within the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV) watershed region. Develop and validate crop phenology, yield estimation and water requirements (evapotranspiration ET) models using remote sensing, weather, soil, USDA- NASS crop progress report, county-level crop yields data products.
•Work closely with USDA-ARS and MSU scientists to assess conservation and management impacts on GHG emissions, such as CO2, N2O, and CH4.
•Assess the quantitative benefits of selected remote sensing data products.
•Conduct literature review and report/ and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
•Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Soil and Crop Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or related fields emphasizing remote sensing and agroecosystem modeling.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Demonstrated publication record in remote sensing and agroecosystem modeling.
•Interdisciplinary teamwork skills with researchers across different disciplines.
•Flexibility to perform work in a team or individually with supervision.
•Good communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and competency.
•Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
•Proficient understanding of remote sensing data products, eddy covariance system, soil-plant-water relations, and soil carbon dynamics.
•Prior solid experience with UAV operation and data processing.
•Proficiency in computer programming, including scripting in R to utilize GEE and other computing tools for data processing and modeling.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Submit 1) a letter of application highlighting qualifications, experience, and interests, 2) a resume, 3) a cover letter, and 4) three professional references including names, contact information, and relationship.
Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Screening Date:
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
