Position Summary:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Analyst. The postdoctoral position will work under the guidance of Dr. Dennis Busch (PI) in completing and managing tasks related to the Dairy Research Institute "U.S. Dairy Net Zero Initiative: Improving Dairy On-Farm Sustainability through Improved Soil Health and Manure Management" and the USDA funded "Agroecosystem Sustainability in Upper Mississippi River Basin: Crop, Soil and Water Resources". The research specialist will help the PI in carrying out the project-related tasks to accomplish the research, educational and outreach goals of the projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementation of research protocols, data collection, project management, and oversight of research staff. The job will require moderate physical activity necessary to install monitoring hardware and collect environmental data.

Responsibilities:

Research Project Management

• Prepare standard operating procedures for research activities.
• Review research project methods.
• Plan fieldwork activities related to monitoring hardware installation and data collection.
• Review and report on in-field research activities.
• Maintain detailed records of research activities.
• Develops and implements processes, guides staff, analyzes data, and summarizes complex research results for a defined research area or study by utilizing established processes.

 Data Analysis and Reporting

• Collect data from field research equipment.
• Conduct data quality reviews.
• Analyze data according to research protocols.
• Prepare research reports and summaries as needed.
• Designs and implements processes for the preparation of reports and manuscripts and leads the presentation of materials through various communication platforms.
• Contributes to the development of unit strategies, research procedures, and analysis methodologies and recommends improvements to leadership. 

Soil/Soil Health Data Collection and Analyses 

• Expertise in soil biogeochemistry, and carbon and nutrient measurements in soils.
• Experience in a range of analyses to determine different soil organic carbon stock, for instance soil active carbon, dissolved organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon, particulate organic matter, aggregate protected carbon etc.
• Extracellular soil enzymatic activities associated with carbon cycling, for instance, β-glucosidase, glycosaminidase etc.
• Quantifying the abundance of total bacterial and fungal communities, and other taxon/group specific microbial communities in carbon cycling.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and main point of contact regarding research analysis and research area operational processes. 

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Ph.D. degree in agriculture-related field
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent scientific writing skills
• Ability to mentor research staff
• Excellent project management skills

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal by September 26, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for 3 professional references.
• Additional documents as needed

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

            Dr. Dennis Busch; buschd@uwplatt.edu

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Our mission is to foster a diverse environment that contributes to an inclusive culture and climate by promoting critical discourse and meaningful interactions between all members of our campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.