Assistant Research Scientist

Job Title

Assistant Research Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Amarillo

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Amarillo, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Assistant Research Scientist develops and conducts a highly collaborative research program in the chemistry governing or modulating soil-water-plant-atmosphere interactions in production agriculture in the southern High Plains.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and conducts a highly collaborative, externally funded research program designed to exploit the surface chemistries of native rangeland soils, cultivated soils, amended soils, biomass, and biomass-derived products to help agricultural producers achieve ecological, agronomic, and/or economic goals in the semi-arid southern High Plains.

• Works closely with scientists and engineers to design, produce, and validate the practical utility of biochar derived from agricultural biomass and/or municipal or industrial by-products.

• Works with faculty scientists and engineers conducting research in greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions and macronutrient stocks and flows; evaluates the ecological merits of surface-chemistry approaches to improve soil health, water quality, and air quality in the context of life-cycle inventories and other system-level accounting approaches.

• In collaboration with and at the request of allied research faculty, conducts and publishes literature reviews characterizing the state of the science as it pertains to the biological and chemical activity of soils, soil amendments, and agricultural biomass stocks for agroecological uses.

• Explores applications for Raman spectroscopy and other spectroscopy methods for the chemical characterization of solid surfaces in porous media and for prediction of gas-phase emission fluxes from those surfaces.

• Develops constructive, mutually beneficial, and scientifically productive relationships with researchers and Extension specialists in Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, West Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering, West Texas A&M University’s Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, USDA-Agricultural Research Service at Bushland, TX, and other regional institutions as appropriate.

• Writes and shepherds to final publication refereed manuscripts documenting research findings and literature syntheses.

• Keeps detailed records of research objectives and procedures; manages data, analysis, and interpretation.

• Presents research results at professional conferences, stakeholder meetings, and similar venues.

• As appropriate with respect to shared resources and facilities, coordinates laboratory and field operations with state and federal scientists, administrators, and support staff affiliated with or located at the USDA-ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory at Bushland, TX.

• Writes proposals for extramural funding; leads writing teams for collaborative proposals.

• Advises collaborating faculty and the Center Director on high-priority infrastructure and instrumentation needs to support advances in laboratory and/or field research.

• Drives agency vehicles to and from off-station research sites and presentation venues.

• Coordinates and supervises technical support staff as appropriate.

• Follows agency policies and procedures.

• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctoral degree in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline, with emphasis on surface chemistry and materials science.

• Progressively responsible experience in agricultural, life-sciences, or environmental engineering research, including project oversight, laboratory operations, personnel supervision, and peer-reviewed publication of research findings.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Two years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural, life-sciences, or environmental engineering research, including project oversight, laboratory operations, personnel supervision, and peer-reviewed publication of research findings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Theoretical understanding of principles governing the surface chemistry and reactivity of solids and liquids commonly encountered in agricultural settings.

• Environmental sampling, lab analysis, and ambient or source monitoring using modern instrumentation and techniques.

• Experimental design, execution, oversight, data management, and logistics.

• Scholarly writing and oral presentation skills.

• Superior capabilities in the effective use of modern computer software.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships.

• Demonstrated ability and inclination to pursue expertise in novel research domains related to the candidate’s core discipline.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Application Information:

The successful candidate must attach a CV and answer all questions.

This position will be located in the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Amarillo, TX. A new Center is currently under construction and the position will be moved to Canyon, TX on the West Texas A&M University campus in approximately July of 2025, along with all other positions working in Amarillo.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.