Assistant Research Scientist

Agency

Department

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Job Description

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist with expertise in agricultural systems and computer modeling. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track, 100% research appointment based at the Blackland Research and Extension Center (BREC) in Temple, Texas (https://blackland.tamu.edu/). 

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead innovative research focused on simulating agricultural systems using APEX and EPIC models to address critical challenges in ecosystem research, including climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and resource management. The incumbent will contribute expertise in hydrologic and ecosystem modeling—including plant growth, carbon dynamics, and greenhouse gas emissions across field, regional, and global scales.

The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, engaging with external partners and funding agencies to advance research that informs sustainable agricultural policies and practices. Additionally, the position provides opportunities for professional growth through conference participation, publication, and leadership in research projects, fostering development within the scientific community focused on agricultural and environmental resilience.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced simulations of agricultural systems using APEX and EPIC models to address pressing challenges in ecosystem research, including climate-smart and sustainable agriculture, soil and water resource management, and ecosystem resilience.
• Apply and enhance hydrologic and ecosystem models at field, regional, and global scales to advance scientific understanding and practical applications.
• Develop, calibrate, and validate models utilizing various field data, literature, and other sources to ensure accurate representation of cropland and grassland systems across the U.S.
• Create and maintain geodatabases containing relevant plant, soil, and climate datasets to support model development, parameterization, and verification, as well as the development of decision making products.
• Lead and participate in interdisciplinary research activities including literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, model development, and testing to generate innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture.
• Document research activities and findings thoroughly, preparing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations to communicate advancements to the scientific community and stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with research sponsors, project investigators, and external partners—including government agencies, research institutions, and funding organizations—to develop annual work plans, set milestones, and align research efforts with broader strategic goals.
• Engage actively in professional development and scientific dissemination by participating in academic conferences, workshops, and training sessions, with an expectation of travel as necessary to collaborate and present research findings.
• Foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment by working closely with team members across departments and institutions to promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovative research.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission of the research center and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Systems, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field with a focus on agricultural systems, ecosystem modeling, or computational analyses.
• Some relevant professional experience.
• Proven expertise in process-based models, specifically APEX and EPIC, including model development, calibration, validation, and application to various agricultural and grassland systems.
• Strong research record, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications in agricultural systems modeling, ecosystem modeling, or related fields.
• Comprehensive understanding of agroecosystems, including watershed hydrology, soil-plant-water relations, nutrient cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ and CH₄ dynamics).
• Proficiency in data analysis and geostatistics using programming languages and tools such as Python, R, Fortran, or similar software.
• Experience managing geodatabases and spatial data, including GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS), for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial datasets relevant to agricultural research.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams and with external partners, sponsors, and funding agencies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of preparing technical reports, peer-reviewed articles, and delivering presentations.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in grant proposal writing, including developing project budgets and technical narratives, particularly within collaborative or interdisciplinary research settings.
• Supervision and training of graduate students or research associates, supporting professional development and team-building.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills, managing multiple projects, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork skills, fostering collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative research relationships with internal and external partners, including research programs at Texas A&M AgriLife Blackland Research Center and external funding agencies.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to participate in meetings, conferences, and outreach activities, which may involve travel. 

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Position Funding: This position is grant funded and availability is contingent on grant funding.  

Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work schedules and remote work options may be available for this position, depending on the nature of the role and employee eligibility, in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

CV/ Resume

Cover letter

List of references

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.