Job Details

TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate in Environmental Soil Chemistry

Position Number: 7202938
Location: Lubbock, TX
Position Type: Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science

TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate in Environmental Soil Chemistry
Lubbock
44909BR
Plant and Soil Science

Position Description
Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the Department and/or College
Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.

The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Major/Essential Functions

The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting independent research, writing peer-reviewed scientific publications, writing grants, attending conferences, and contributing to meetings with stakeholders.
Engage and organize research, sample, and data collection as required, collaborating with students, post docs and visiting scholars.

Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

The position required eligibility to drive TTU vehicles, including a valid U.S. driver license and two years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications

A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in soil chemistry, geochemistry, environmental chemistry/engineering, or a closely related area is preferred.
Performs skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties in the coordination and completion of projects. Work is performed under general guidelines using established procedures and evaluated on results obtained. May supervise subordinate employees. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.
Experience in X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is highly desired, especially shell-fitting of the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectra.
Experience with sample preparation and analysis of FT-ICR-MS data
Experience in Scanning Emission Microscopy and/or Transmission Microscopy.
A strong background in soil or sediment geochemistry, as it relates to physical, chemical, spectroscopic, and spectrometric characterization of minerals and aqueous solutions.
Experience and laboratory skills in dealing with analytical laboratory sample preparation and equipment operation, including microwave digestions, ICP-OES/MS, XRF, GC, IC, CNS analysis, or electrochemical techniques.
The candidate should be familiar with the common wet-chemical techniques used in soil chemistry, such as batch and/or stirred-flow reactions.
Evidence of ability to independently maintain equipment in different laboratories and ability to manage, plan, execute, operate and supervise minor fixes to equipment to ensure successful implementation of research objectives.
Evidence of proven data analysis skills (e.g., trouble shooting), data maintenance, and data management.
This position may require the individual to work outside in inclement weather, including hot summer days and cold winter days.
Self-motivated, with excellent written and oral communication skills, management and organization skills, and the ability to work both individually and with a multi-faceted team of fellow researchers. The candidate must be able to establish and maintain positive and effective work relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the public.
The candidate must be able to plan and allocate the workload of undergraduate researchers, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Pay Range
$48,000 - $63,700 - $78,400

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.