| Job Summary/Basic Function |
The 1890 Land-Grant Programs at Central State University (CSU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate/ Extension Educator – Nutrient Management, to conduct research and extension programs on soil nutrient management and plant nutrition for agronomic and horticultural crops to improve productivity while minimizing its environmental impacts. A nutrient management specialist will be responsible for planning, implementation and coordination of all aspects of nutrient management and application in collaboration with the Feedlot, project team, including participating farmers, educators, and other scientists/faculty.
This is a five-year USDA/NRCS funded project NRCS # NR243A750004G003. CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO 10/31/2028; HOWEVER, IT IS CONTINGENT ON THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Design, conduct, and coordinate research on nutrient management, crop nutrient uptake, and environmental impacts.
- Provide outreach and engagement with farmers enrolled in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant to install, monitor, and evaluate climate-smart practices used on their farms, including soil fertility trials comparing manure-based and synthetic fertilizers.
- Create and deliver education programming related to specialty crop production including climate-smart technologies, irrigation, soil health, nutrient management, organic techniques, and regenerative ideals.
- Develop protocol and oversee fertility trials of enrolled farmers to implement, collect data, and evaluate differences between manure-based and synthetic fertilizer production.
- Prepare reports for timely submission.
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals/Present research findings at conferences/meetings.
- Participate in the dissemination of research findings through publication of educational materials & presentations at scientific, doner, farmer, & educator meetings & field days.
- Assist in grant proposal writing.
- Train and supervise research assistants and students.
- Create / Oversee trials demonstration at CSU Research and Demonstration Complex to highlight climate-smart practices.
- Create partnerships with collaborating agencies, organizations, and other stakeholder groups to identify climate-smart practices for specialty crop production.
- Train students involved with nutrient management research.
- Other responsibilities as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Data analysis using software such as SAS & publication of journal articles.
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| Minimum Qualifications |
- Education: Ph.D., in Horticulture or related Agriculture science
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in designing, conducting, and coordinating research on nutrient management and environmental impacts.
- Experience in conducting research on crop nutrients uptake, carbon, and nitrogen dynamics and balance.
- Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work to meet time demands and/or special needs of program management.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel.
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| Preferred Qualifications |
- Education: Knowledge of agronomy and environmental science.
- Experience: soil amendments (such as compost and livestock manure) and cover crops in agricultural systems.
- Familiarity with Ohio agricultural production systems.
- Exceptional, proven competence in interpersonal relationship skills, including the ability to effectively relate to and communicate with staff, faculty, elected officials, colleagues, and program participants from diverse cultural backgrounds including individuals with limited English skills.
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