Postdoctoral Associate in Grassland Biogeochemistry and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Postdoc Aso

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is a partnership among 18 agroecosystems across the United States that addresses the great and complex issues facing US food, feed, fuel, and fiber production.

University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center and its partner Archbold Biological Station  LTAR site (ABS-UF) is focused primarily on the productivity and sustainability of forage-based grazing systems in subtropical environments with special emphasis on the impacts of management on ecosystem services under a climate change scenario. 

University of Florida, Range Cattle Research and Education Center is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral position in biogeochemistry (with special emphasis on C, N, and P dynamics) and GHG emissions in subtropical grazing land ecosystems within the framework of the USDA-LTAR project. 

Main duties associated with this position are (but not limited to):

1. Field measurements of vegetation, soil, and GHG emissions as affected by contrasting fire and grazing management strategies

2. Design and execute soil, vegetation, and greenhouse gas collection plans for the various experimental sites at UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC

3. Field and lab measurements of plant diversity, and soil C, N, and P dynamics

4. Operate and maintain field equipment, including eddy covariance towers

5. Evaluate and synthesize greenhouse gas flux, soil, and vegetation data and produce reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at scientific and LTAR meetings.

Background Information :

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences , the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station , the Florida Cooperative Extension Service , the College of Veterinary Medicine , the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A PhD (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in soil science, environmental science, agriculture or related field is required.
• Experience in soil C, biogeochemistry, statistical analyses, and field research.
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills in English. Record of peer-review publications in the area is a must.
• Training/experience in GIS
• Be familiar with scientific literature related to GHG in subtropical grazing lands and the impacts of management on soil C and GHG emission responses
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and also as a part of a team. The work is highly collaborative and we seek applicants who have interest and motivation to work closely with the Archbold team and also be involved in regular meetings and join research efforts. Occasional travel between the cooperating sites is expected.
• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with eddy covariance technique. Training/experience in C or GHG modeling, and writing grant proposals are highly desired. Laboratory experience, social skills and teamwork abilities, self-contained organization are also beneficial.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter explaining your specific interest in joining the LTAR team
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Maria Silveira at [email protected] .

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.