Agrivoltaics Postdoctoral Scholar Position

Agrivoltaics Postdoctoral Scholar Position

View the full details of this position online: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04671

First Review Date: February 18th, 2022

POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB SUMMARY
Understanding plant response to different light spectra under different climatic conditions is fundamental for the advancement of revolutionary agricultural concepts needed for sustainable food systems. Projections show that by 2050, we will need 60% more food and 40% more water to satisfy the demands of our growing population, all this in addition to 50% more energy thus adding significant stress at the nexus between water, energy and food. Agrivoltaics is a
promising technology that can provide more food and energy with less water and land, thus maximizing the land and water efficiencies and leading to a healthier nexus. This is however crop and climate dependent, and achieving the real potential of agrivoltaics requires deeper understanding of plants response to different light spectra, thus allowing us to optimize the solar spectrum between food and energy production in the same land.
We seek a postdoctoral scholar to lead our agrivoltaics greenhouse trials and modeling initiative. As a postdoctoral scholar, you will work under the supervision and mentorship of Professor Majdi Abou Najm on series of greenhouse experiments of different crops under different lighting and environmental conditions common in California to develop a database of crop response, yield and water use efficiencies. You will also work on building an agrivoltaics community and utilize the database to expand and validate a modeling framework that Prof. Abou Najm is working on. In addition to greenhouse experiments and modeling, the scope of work may include limited but focused field experiments, particularly following the activities of year 1. This position is based in Davis, but with potential regular visits to Kearney and other experimental sites in CA. It is expected that you will work closely with Prof. Abou Najm on writing publications, extension documents, and proposals. You will also be expected to work with a highly diverse and collaborative set of researchers and stakeholders on the project. Your primary duties will involve field and laboratory research, data analysis, writing of scientific publications, and field site coordination. You will be expected to use R, ArcGIS, and various software programs as needed. Publications, scientific talks, and workshops are expected products of your research and outreach activities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
• PhD in biogeochemistry, ecology, soil science, geology, environmental engineering/science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a greenhouse setting and/or in laboratory and/or field setting testing crop growth and soil health.
• Experience analyzing crop and soil samples to measure crop yield and growth as well as biogeochemical properties.
• Analytical skills to anticipate, identify problems, compare data, and conclude and disseminate data.
• Record of first-authored publications.

Preferred qualifications
• Experience in modeling plant growth and/or response to solar radiation.
• Knowledge pertaining to solar radiation impact on carbon assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and water use efficiency.
• Experience communicating science to the general public and scientific audiences and communities.
• Strong publication record.
• Analytical skills that include modeling of soil-based processes.
• Familiarity with coastal California and various crop system and rangelands in both the Central and Imperial Valleys.
• Ability to write and edit analysis contributions and method development.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience working with diverse groups.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Statement of Research (Optional)
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be
used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one
is requested.
Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04671