Postdoctoral Research Scientist

TITLE : Postdoctoral Research Scientist

DEPARTMENT : College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

REPORTS TO : Principal Investigator

CLASSIFICATION : Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE : TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS : 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS : Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION : Exempt

JOB SUMMARY :

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist will serve as a lead support person to assist the PI, staff, and students to perform research in the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

The chosen candidate will help the PI in Urban Agriculture at Kentucky State University on a variety of research projects and farm operation.

The candidate will apply for extramural grants, help mentor student research projects, and publish quality peer-reviewed journal articles in sustainable and urban farming.

The candidate will assist in implementing the student-run farm and demonstration gardens into existing course work and programming for experiential learning opportunities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Assist the PI and other supporting staff in designing farming activities, mentor, supervise and lead undergraduate and graduate students involved in research.
• The candidate will conduct collaborative and independent research to help optimize production dynamics and profitability of sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• The candidate will help manage laboratory and farm spaces in a professional manner.
• To record and maintain data in proper spreadsheet layout.
• Track applications and correspondence of potential graduate students and student progress.
• To assist faculty and staff and students in using research equipment.
• The candidate will perform field and laboratory experiments to investigate key agricultural issues such as yield improvement, nutrient management and climate adaptation for small fruits and vegetables mostly grown in Kentucky and surrounding states.
• The candidate will be also responsible to collaborate with faculty, fellow researchers, and industry partners to integrate findings into practical solutions for agricultural challenges in Kentucky and surrounding states.
• The candidate will be able responsible to analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare scientific publications, and present research findings at conferences and seminars.
• The candidate will contribute to develop extramural grant applications to secure funding for ongoing and future research projects.
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• Practical experience in research methodology in the area of sustainable food production or related fields.
• Applicant should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical ability to include computer skills, advanced statistics and analysis of databases.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with problem-solving expertise
• Ability to maintain concise and accurate records.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, but cooperatively with others.
• Must be able to manage multiple projects / priorities.
• Good organizational skills
• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience serving as Co-PI on funded research projects.
• Ability to perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Demonstrated expertise in agricultural and food systems, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

May assist in supervision of students and staff as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Minimum of a Ph.D. in Agriculture or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated strong community-engaged and qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior practical or research experience with food and related sector.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Demonstrated strong community-engaged and qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Prior practical or research experience with food safety management and / or organic agriculture.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Occasionally requires heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold conditions, hazards or physical risks, which require some basic safety precautions.

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge / skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.