Description

The Research Agronomy Program at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center (NERREC) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research focused on improving the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of rice and soybean production systems in Arkansas and the Mid-South. The employment term will be one year, with the option to extend by one year based on employee performance. One primary research emphasis is on furrow-irrigated rice production systems, including irrigation management, nitrogen management, and seeding rate optimization, while also conducting research in flood-irrigated rice and soybean production systems. Current soybean research areas include planting date and plant growth regulator management.

The successful candidate will primarily focus on data analysis, scientific writing, and publication development. The postdoctoral associate will work closely with faculty and research staff to synthesize findings from ongoing and completed projects, develop peer-reviewed manuscripts, and communicate research outcomes to scientific and stakeholder audiences. The opportunity to actively participate in regional and national research conferences will be available. Opportunities will also exist to contribute to research planning, grant proposal development, and the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. This position is ideal for an individual seeking to build a strong publication record, superior grantsmanship, and expertise in applied agronomic research relevant to Mid-South rice and soybean production.

Primary Responsibilities (% Effort)
1. Data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation – 50% 
- Analyze field research data using appropriate statistical methods. 
- Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed journal manuscripts. 
- Prepare research reports, summaries, and technical publications. 
- Develop figures, tables, and data visualizations. 

2. Grant development and scientific communication – 25% 
- Assist with grant proposal preparation and reporting requirements. 
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings. 
- Contribute to extension and outreach materials, including fact sheets, as appropriate. 

3. Research project support and data collection – 20% 
- Assist with experimental design and treatment development. 
- Support field research activities, data collection, and quality control. 
- Introduce novel data collection methods to the research program. 

4. Student mentoring and professional service – 5% 
- Assist in mentoring graduate students involved in research projects.

Requirements

Qualifications:
Required: 

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field. Degree must be obtained prior to hire date.
• Experience publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred: 

• Experience with rice production
• Grant-writing experience