Postdoctoral Associate: Nutrient Sorption Treatment Technologies

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Minimum Requirements:

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences welcomes applicants who can contribute to our 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 or the Florida Relay System at TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

The University of Florida (UF) Soil, Water, & Nutrient Management Laboratory is looking to hire a Post-doctoral Associate who will provide overall leadership and direction in the field of Nutrient Sorption Technologies for Water Quality Improvements within the state of Florida. The Post-doctoral Associate will be part of a multi-year research project funded by Florida Department of Environmental protection (FDEP) and in coordination with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that will evaluate phosphorus and nitrogen removal enhancement in Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) discharging into Lake Okeechobee, Florida, using innovative technology. The incumbent will assist in the overall project coordination, including leading field-based assessment of sorption studies, monitoring of water quality and weather data, reporting, and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. Responsibilities will include – (i) routine water quality monitoring from study site; (ii) facilitate lab analyses for analyzing water for nutrients and suspended solids, and data interpretation; (iii) geostatistical assessment of treatment technology based on water quality data; (iv) cost assessment of per pound (lb) TP/TN removal for the technology. The incumbent will be based at the UF/IFAS Soil, Water, & Nutrient Management laboratory, located at the Everglades Research & Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. The applicant will also be part of a larger NSF-funded Science & Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) center assisting with ongoing research activities related to fate and transport of phosphorus from agricultural ecosystems. This will include formulating study hypotheses, analyzing results, writing reports and manuscripts, identifying and applying for grant proposals, being a leader in the lab helping direct graduate students, interns and visiting scientists. The incumbent will be expected to drive to potential field locations and stakeholder meetings and conduct independent field work in hot humid conditions.

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.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Agricultural & Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences/Engineering, Nutrient Management, Water Quality, or any related field is required.

• Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.

• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

Preferred:

General understanding of Lake Okeechobee, Florida ecosystems specific to wetlands. Hydrologic modeling and geospatial assessment tools.

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 describing your qualifications and interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information, including email addresses, for at least 3 professional references

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 Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call or the Florida Relay System at TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

Health Assessment Required:
Yes

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