Agricultural System Modeler

Research Scientist/Scholar

 

This person will serve as an agricultural system modeler in a cooperative project between Colorado State University and the Great Plain Research Unit, USDA-ARS Northern Plains Area, Fort Collins, CO.  This person is expected to focus on modeling responses to water stress of field-scale cropping systems and the development of improved simulation models of these systems using the modular approach in the Object Modeling System (OMS).  These models will be used for in-depth analysis of the problem and provide better technical basis for decision aids for farmers, ranchers, consultants, action agencies and industry.  For the application of the model(s), this person is expected to collaborate with field scientists and users nationally and provide leadership in enhancing the state of the art.  Questions about this position can be directed to:  Luis.Garcia@colostate.edu

Specific objectives of this research are:

  1. Integrate and quantify knowledge of multiple effects of water stresses on plant processes, including the recent energy balance approaches that link transpiration, photosynthesis, and carbon allocation, as a component of the whole soil-plant-water-nutrient-climate continuum in cropping systems.
  2. Identify and simulate interactions of water stress with nutrient stress, particularly related to carbon/nitrogen cycling and climate variability.
  3. Develop modules for the first two objectives using the Objective Modeling System, test them with experimental data, and refine them. Help with modularizing other components of the system models.

Minimum Education:  Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, Soil Science, Civil/Agricultural Engineering, Ecology or closely related area completed by May 30, 2006. 

Desired Qualifications:  Knowledge of the whole soil-water-plant-animal-climate-management system with special reference to soil-plan-climate processes in croplands and/or rangelands.  Specific fields of desired in-depth knowledge include:  quantitative stress physiology and functional relations of plant processes and stress factors in cropping systems and/or range systems; related soil physical and chemical processes governing soil water, energy, and nutrients in crop and range ecosystems; process-based mathematical modeling of entire systems; and knowledge and experience to be able to document modules in the OMS.  

Application Process: Applicants should electronically submit a detailed resume, a two-page statement of research interests and goals, and three letters of reference (upload at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/searchASM/). Screening of applications will continue until the positions are filled. However, to be assured full consideration your application must be received by April 14, 2006.

Colorado State University is an equal employment/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services Building. In order to assist Colorado State University in meetings its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves.