TTU Post Doctoral Research Associate Digital & Data Science

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$48,000–$63,700 Per Year
SKILLS
Academic Research, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Science, Agriculture, Agronomy, Analysis Skills, Animal Husbandry, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Botany, Budgeting, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Conferences, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Data Modeling, Data Processing, Data Science, Earth Sciences, Economics, Employee Relations, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Sciences, Establish Priorities, Experiment Design, Food Science, Funding, Image Processing, Machine Learning, Microsoft Excel, Multitasking, Natural Resources, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Procedure Development, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, R Programming Language, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Research Laboratory, Research Skills, Safety Compliance, Safety/Work Safety, Scientific Publications, Soil Science, Spatial Data, Statistical Modeling, Statistics, Stress Modeling, Teach Graduate Students, Training/Teaching, Veterinary Medicine, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Lubbock, TX
POSTED
Today

Major/Essential Functions

  • Design field experiments and perform statistical analyses related to plant nitrogen status, precision nitrogen management, crop water stress monitoring and irrigation optimization.
  • Collect, organize, and analyze aerial (UAV) and satellite imagery in conjunction with ground-truth plant and soil measurements.
  • Develop and apply data science and machine learning techniques to predict crop water stress, root-zone water content, plant nitrogen status, yield, and related physiological parameters.
  • Coordinate data collection, organization, and analysis across multiple projects involving crop, soil, and environmental monitoring.
  • Advise and train graduate and undergraduate students in spatial data analysis, image processing, and data-driven agricultural decision-making.
  • Prepare technical reports, author scientific publications, and present research findings at professional conferences and stakeholder meetings.


Grant Funded?

Yes

Pay Basis

Monthly

Work Location

Lubbock

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD. in agronomy, crop science, agricultural engineering, geoscience, or environmental sciences.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • At least two refereed publications in precision agriculture or related journals.
  • Demonstrated experience with statistical modeling, remote sensing and image analysis
  • Programming skills in Python or R.
  • Familiarity with machine learning and AI methods for agricultural applications.
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • Experience in the application of multi-source data in modeling water stress or predicting crop yield.


Department

Plant and Soil Science

Required Attachments

Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV, Transcript

Job Type

Full Time

Shift

Day

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

No

About the Department and/or College

Davis College includes the departments of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Agricultural Education and Communications, Animal and Food Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resources Management, Plant and Soil Science, and Veterinary Sciences along with multiple research centers and institutes. The College has over 100 tenure-track faculty, 2747 undergraduate and 519 graduate students, numerous other staff employees, and generated approximately $16 million in extramural research funding.

The PSS Department is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil sciences. There are 36 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 180 undergraduate and 140 graduate students. B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science. Additionally, distance education courses and four certificate programs are offered. The department is research-intensive, while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and environmental quality.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a two-year position with an available start date of August 1, 2026; however, the start date can be flexible. Applicants must utilize the Texas Tech University job portal to apply. Inquiries can be sent to Dr. Wenxuan Guo (wenxuan.guo@ttu.edu). Please use “Digital Agriculture and Data Science” in the subject line.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

About the University

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

Job Family

Research

Job Sub Family

Researchers & Scientists

Annualized Pay Range

$48,000 - $63,700 - $78,400

About the Company

T

Texas Tech University