Post Doctoral Fellow

The Precision Agriculture Lab (headed by Dr. Marcelo Barbosa) is seeking an outstanding candidate for a Postdoctoral Fellow position based at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center (FD-REEC) at the University of Missouri in Portageville, MO (https://moaes.missouri.edu/t-e-jake-fisher-delta-research-extension-and-education-center/).

The successful candidate will develop and evaluate digital agriculture sensing and decision-support technology to improve profitability and sustainability of producers of Southeast Missouri and the rest of the humid Mid-South.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

1. Complete research documenting variability in crop coefficients for cotton irrigation as a function of variety and spatial soil variability;
2. Combine soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and in-situ soil moisture sensing data to create field-scale maps of changes in crop water availability through the growing season;
3. Evaluate new approaches to digitally controlled irrigation management;
4. Combine remote sensing and AI-based modeling to address management needs in Mid-South production systems.

The candidate will work closely with USDA-ARS personnel while also coordinating and collaborating with graduate students and staff in the execution of research activities. In addition, the candidate will assist the supervisor (Dr. Barbosa) with preparing final reports for sponsoring agencies and developing refereed research articles and Extension publications.

Minimum Qualification:

The successful candidate must have earned a Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Sciences, Plant Sciences, Precision Agriculture, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Experience with irrigation, crop coefficients, and electrical conductivity studies;
• Demonstrated ability working with remote sensing and AI-based data analysis;
• Scientific publication record;
• Willingness to work in a collaborative environment.

Application Process: Apply online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID# 59891.

Application Materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for three references

Start Date: Immediate.

Contact:

Dr. Marcelo Barbosa

marcelobarbosa@missouri.edu

Visa Sponsorship Information:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.