Research Soil Scientist

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Soil Scientist will lead research efforts focusing on soil carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agricultural practices. This position emphasizes the development of models and tools to quantify soil processes, support climate mitigation strategies, and improve agricultural productivity. The scientist will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address national and global challenges in soil health and environmental sustainability.

This position will work with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL), a research and teaching unit at Colorado State University with a mission “to ensure the sustainability of the Earth’s ecosystems through the generation and application of new knowledge.” The department’s interdisciplinary, ecosystem research promotes collaborations among disciplines and across fields of expertise at CSU and throughout the world. As a soft-money research unit, this role is critical to ensure adequate funding to sustain its vital role in the research community both locally and across the globe.

Essential Job Duties:
Research and Model Development (60%):

• Conduct advanced research on soil carbon cycling, nitrogen dynamics, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Develop and refine process-based models (e.g., DAYCENT or DNDC) to simulate soil and ecosystem functions.

• Evaluate the impacts of agricultural management practices on soil health, carbon sequestration, and emissions.

Data Analysis and Reporting (20%):

• Analyze large datasets from field experiments and long-term monitoring studies.

• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and presentations at scientific conferences.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement (20%):

• Collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to develop science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.

• Provide technical expertise to inform programs and policies related to soil health and climate resilience.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment background check (required for new hires).

Supervision

None

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field.

• Expertise in soil carbon dynamics, nitrogen cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Experience with process-based modeling (e.g., DAYCENT, DNDC).

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of agricultural systems and their interactions with climate processes.

• Experience with interdisciplinary research involving soil science, ecology, and climate change.

Salary Range

$65.00-$75.00

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.