Post-Doctoral Associate

University of Minnesota
life insurance, paid holidays, remote work
United States, Minnesota, Saint Paul
Jan 27, 2025
Apply for Job Job ID 366400 Location Twin Cities Job Family Academic Full/Part Time Full-Time Regular/Temporary Regular Job Code 9546 Employee Class Acad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Post-Doctoral Associate Job Code: 9546 Percent Time: 100% or 1.0 FTE Anticipated Initial Appointment Period: 3/2025-8/2026 Supervisor of position: Jessica Gutknecht Position Summary: The University of Minnesota invites applications to fill a Postdoctoral Researcher position to analyze the environmental quality impacts of Kernza, a newly developed perennial grain crop. This two-year position will be associated will be based at the University of Minnesota Saint Paul campus. The position will focus on analyzing and synthesizing data from two experiments conducted at six field sites across the US as part of the USDA Sustainable Agricultural Systems Kernza Coordinated Agricultural Project (KernzaCAP). Some fieldwork, lab analysis and travel will be required and therefore at least some in person work is required, while remote work for the remainder of the position will also be acceptable. This Postdoctoral Researcher will lead the development of multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts and participate as co-author on others pertaining to field experiments and other studies associated with KernzaCAP. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in field days and other outreach events for growers and the public at large. They will also help coordinate and/or participate in scientific meetings or special sessions of meetings focused on Kernza. Job Duties: 35% - Statistical analysis of data to determine the environmental quality impacts of Kernza production 35% - Writing peer-reviewed journal articles to report the results of statistical analyses. 10% - Collaborator on data curation and analysis of other datasets associated with the KernzaCAP project, including participation as co-author on other manuscripts. 10% - Assisting with field sampling to measure indicators of soil health in the final year of a four-year field trial. 10% - Assisting with laboratory-based evaluations of physiochemical and biological soil health indicators. To Apply: Please submit current curriculum vitae and letter of interest describing background, research interests, ability to achieve the described responsibilities by clicking apply below. Candidate review will begin on January 22, 2025. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, agronomy, or related field. Individual may be immediate post-degree or returning for additional training, updating, and/or retooling. Limited to fields for which post-degree training is necessary for career entry. Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in statistical analyses including R. Preference will be given to candidates with modeling experience in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, as well as experience analyzing and creating publications from large data sets. About the Department About KernzaCAP: KernzaCAP is a USDA Coordinated Agricultural Project grant to integrate nation-wide activities to launch the enterprise of the world's first large-scale perennial grain crop called Kernza. This highly interdisciplinary project is based at the University of Minnesota and includes six other universities and numerous other organizations and individuals representing a broad range of stakeholder groups including nonprofits, farmers, businesses and policy makers. The project includes research, education, and outreach/extension activities that fall within six core objectives: 1) advance germplasm and trait evaluation, 2) enhance agronomic and on-farm knowledge, 3) improve environmental quality, 4) engage education, extension and policy, 5) develop supply chains and economic drivers, and 6) activate transformative change through intentional integration. Further information is available on the project website, kernza.org/kernzacap. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $61,005 - $65,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and life insurance Employee wellbeing program Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost How To Apply Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota. Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).