New Postdoc position on APEX modeling at Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Jaehak
Position Announcement: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agricultural, Animal, Rangeland, or Environmental Sciences
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Temple, Texas
Project: Enhancing APEX for simulating environmental and economic
impacts of CAFO operations and animal grazing using the APEX model, funded by
USDA
Position Overview:
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking a highly motivated and innovative
Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a USDA-funded project evaluating
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), manure management systems and
animal grazing practices using the APEX agroecosystem model. The successful
candidate will contribute to the enhancement, integration, and evaluation of
model components for farm-scale carbon and nitrogen cycling across diverse
livestock and manure management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and gap analyses on regenerative animal production systems including CAFOs and grazing practices, manure management in CAFOs, and C–N cycling in soils, vegetation, manure, and livestock.
- Acquire, curate, and analyze field measurement datasets and associated environmental and economic information for model parameterization and validation.
- Develop or enhance model algorithms simulating carbon and nutrient budgets under varying manure housing and management practices using scientific programming languages.
- Implement newly developed modules and improvements into the APEX ecosystem simulation model.
- Assess agroecosystem C–N cycling dynamics influenced by concentrated ruminant‑livestock operations and changing environmental conditions.
- Evaluate and refine the performance of the enhanced model across diverse dairy systems and livestock/grazing management scenarios.
- Document model development processes and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and technical reports.
Required Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Rangeland Management, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Experience in designing, analyzing, and interpreting data from field studies.
- Strong project management and technical writing capabilities.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Proficient understanding of factors governing carbon and nitrogen cycling in farm-scale CAFO operations.
- Prior experience with process-based models such as EPIC, APEX, RUFAS, BCSM, GLEAM, or similar simulation frameworks.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, Fortran) for data processing, model development, and computational analysis.
Additional Information
- The appointment is for up to 24 months with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
- Continuation of the position is contingent upon ongoing funding.