U.S. Department of Agriculture
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USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Soil and Crop Modeling U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Monthly stipend of $79,200.00 per year; appointment initially for one year and may be renewed contingent on funds.
Deadline
Dec 18, 2026
Country
United States
University
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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About this position
This postdoctoral fellowship is based in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Madison, Wisconsin, and is hosted within the Environmentally Integrated Dairy Management Research Unit of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. The project sits at the intersection of dairy agroecosystem sustainability, soil-plant-nutrient interactions, and quantitative modeling.
The fellow will work closely with USDA-ARS research soil scientists on a process and statistical modeling project focused on improving nutrient use efficiency in Midwest dairy systems. A central part of the work is applying the whole-farm Ruminant Farm Systems model, specifically the Soil and Crop Module (RuFaS-SCM), to predict crop yields, nutrient uptake, and nutrient losses, and to support model calibration and validation. The project also uses established crop and farm decision-support tools to examine how cropping system choices, nutrient inputs, and weather affect soil erosion and nitrogen and phosphorus losses in surface runoff from long-term paired watersheds.
The research is intended to improve nutrient-loss prediction and support the development and application of RuFaS-SCM for dairy and agri-environmental stakeholders. The setting combines USDA-ARS scientists with university collaborators and is aimed at generating practical knowledge for manure nutrient management and sustainable dairy forage systems.
The appointment is full time and initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to recommendation and available funds.
Funding details
Monthly stipend of $79,200.00 per year; appointment initially for one year and may be renewed contingent on funds.
What's required
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, or a related field. The degree must have been received within the past five years, or be anticipated by December 31, 2026. Required application materials must be in English or include an official English translation. Preferred skills include modeling experience and advanced knowledge of agronomy, nutrient management, statistics, and model development/application. This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
How to apply
Scroll to the bottom of the opportunity page and click APPLY. Submit the application form, transcripts, a current resume/CV, and two educational or professional recommendations. Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.