Postdoctoral Scholar

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Scholar

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

We announce one full time postdoctoral position (2 years, conditional with renewal) within the Water Research Quality Laboratory research groups led by Dr. Michelle Soupir in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. The focus of our research group is the sustainable development and management of our land and water resources. This position seeks an individual to lead research related to water quality improvements in agriculture and the environmental fate and transport of pollutants. Our research group is a multi-disciplinary team that integrates numerous expertise to tackle complex dynamics that connect agricultural practices and management, microbiology, water quality, and soil health. We collaborate directly with the ISU Extension and other institutions to promote the impact of our research.

New and improved engineered technologies to increase denitrification are essential to improve water quality. In the agriculturally intense Midwestern U.S., drainage networks are installed in agricultural fields, ensuring field access and crop survival, but also expediating export of N-laden waters. Denitrification woodchip bioreactors are engineered systems ideally located in the riparian zone between the crop field and stream, intercepting and treating the drainage water before discharge. Because of the N-removal efficiency, simplicity of installation, and minimal maintenance requirements, this technology has been expanded to treat discharges and runoff across broad geographic regions. Other opportunities within our team include the role of agriculture in the spread of antibiotic resistance and connections with farmers to discover solutions. 

We are now looking for a postdoc who is interested in helping to lead projects where we explore various dimensions of water quality, especially as it intersects with agriculture at the edge-of-field. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct experimental research, lead projects related to the installation of unique woodchip bioreactor systems, and manage student workers who will assist with environmental monitoring. Experience with environmental sampling, culturing of bacteria, water quality analysis (N, P), instrumentation of remote monitoring sites, designing edge-of-field conservation practices are all valuable. Strong communication skills are expected as the successful applicant will frequently conduct project-related correspondence with local and state officials, as well as project sponsors. The work is expected to be highly collaborative with faculty and staff across Iowa State and at other institutions. We expect this postdoctoral research to lead authoring/co- authoring of scientific publications, present research at scientific conferences, and contribute to proposal writing.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Agricultural/Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting research on woodchip denitrification bioreactors

• Experience collecting water samples and analyzing for agricultural chemicals

• Experience instrumenting remote field site for environmental data collection

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Department/Unit Website:

https://www.abe.iastate.edu/soupir/

Proposed Start Date:
May 1, 2024

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
April 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing Program.

Original Posting Date:
March 4, 2024

Posting Close Date:
April 3, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14194