Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Quality & Nutrient Management at Auburn University, USA (2026–2027)
The appointment is initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years, depending on performance and funding availability. The expected start date is January 1, 2027, and the advertised annual salary is US$60,000.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers with a PhD in soil science, hydrology, or a closely related field and demonstrated expertise in phosphorus transport modelling, GIS, remote sensing, and agricultural water-quality research.
Postdoctoral Fellow – Position Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Fellow – Water Quality & Nutrient Management |
| Institution | Auburn University |
| Department | Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences |
| Location | Auburn, Alabama, USA |
| Job ID | 2026-10532 |
| Employment type | Full-time, non-tenure-track |
| Initial contract | 2 years |
| Potential duration | Up to 4 years, subject to performance and funding |
| Expected start date | January 1, 2027 |
| Annual salary | US$60,000 |
| Application review begins | November 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Open until the position is filled |
| Required degree | PhD in soil science, hydrology, or a related field |
About the Research Position
The Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at Auburn University is seeking a qualified researcher to contribute to research on water quality and nutrient management in agricultural systems.
The primary research focus is understanding phosphorus transport and nutrient losses from agricultural fields. Phosphorus loss from agricultural land is an important water-quality concern, making the assessment of nutrient movement, field-scale hydrology, and nutrient-loss risks essential for effective agricultural management.
The successful candidate will conduct field and laboratory investigations, operate water-quality monitoring equipment, analyse environmental samples, and evaluate models used to estimate phosphorus transport.
The position also involves using geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, statistical analysis, and hydrological information to interpret environmental datasets and assess nutrient-loss risks.
Key Research Responsibilities
1. Phosphorus Transport and Nutrient Loss
The researcher will investigate phosphorus transport and nutrient losses from agricultural fields. Responsibilities include planning, establishing, and conducting field and laboratory studies to understand nutrient movement and its implications for water quality.
2. Rainfall Simulation and Field Monitoring
The position involves setting up, operating, and maintaining rainfall simulation experiments and edge-of-field monitoring equipment.
Relevant equipment includes:
H-Flumes
Automated water samplers
Rainfall simulation systems
Field water-quality monitoring equipment
The researcher will collect water, soil, and related environmental samples and data. Extensive travel to monitoring sites is required to collect water-quality measurements.
3. Laboratory Analysis
The successful candidate will analyse environmental samples in the laboratory and generate water-quality data for evaluating nutrient transport models.
Experience with phosphorus chemistry and water-quality analysis will be particularly relevant to these responsibilities.
4. Nutrient Transport Modelling
A major component of the role is applying field data to evaluate phosphorus transport models, particularly:
APEX – Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender model
SWAT – Soil and Water Assessment Tool
The researcher will also use the P-Index and hydrological information to assess the risk of phosphorus losses from agricultural fields.
5. GIS and Remote Sensing
The postdoctoral researcher will use GIS and remote-sensing technologies to organise, analyse, visualise, and interpret spatial and environmental datasets relevant to water quality and nutrient management.
6. Data Management and Scientific Publications
The researcher will manage and quality-check research datasets, conduct statistical analyses, maintain documentation, and interpret research findings.
Additional responsibilities include preparing technical reports, writing peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, and presenting research results at scientific and professional meetings.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have an earned PhD from an accredited institution in soil science, hydrology, or a closely related field by the start of employment.
Candidates must also demonstrate the following relevant expertise.
Phosphorus transport modelling: Experience with APEX, SWAT, or related phosphorus transport modelling approaches, along with knowledge of the P-Index and hydrology.
Phosphorus chemistry and water quality: Practical or research experience in phosphorus chemistry and water-quality assessment.
Field experimentation: Experience with rainfall simulation experiments and edge-of-field monitoring equipment, including equipment setup, data acquisition, and data analysis.
GIS and remote sensing: Expertise in geospatial analysis and remote-sensing technologies.
Scientific publications: A solid track record of peer-reviewed research publications.
Applicants should ensure that their CV and cover letter clearly demonstrate how their previous research experience matches these requirements.
Salary and Benefits
Auburn University advertises an annual salary of US$60,000 for this position.
The appointment is benefits-eligible. Auburn University highlights its employee benefits, educational opportunities, supportive work environment, and emphasis on work-life balance.
The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years depending on performance and available funding.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their documents through the application system.
Required documents
Cover letter
Current curriculum vitae (CV)
Copies of academic transcripts
Only complete application materials will be considered.
Application deadline
Active review of applications will begin on November 15, 2026. The recruitment process will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents in advance and apply early, as no fixed closing date is specified.
Application link
Apply here: Official Application Link
Work Authorization Requirements
The selected candidate must be eligible to work legally in the United States when the appointment begins and throughout the proposed employment period.
The supplied vacancy announcement does not specify whether visa sponsorship is available. International applicants should therefore confirm their work-authorisation requirements with Auburn University before applying.
Why Consider Auburn University?
Auburn University offers a research environment focused on education, scientific discovery, and outreach. Its Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences provides a relevant setting for researchers interested in agricultural sustainability, soil and water processes, and environmental management.
This position offers an opportunity to combine field experimentation, laboratory analysis, hydrological modelling, and geospatial methods to investigate agricultural nutrient losses.
Researchers aiming to develop expertise in phosphorus transport, agricultural water quality, nutrient management, and environmental modelling may find this position particularly relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the position offered at Auburn University?
Auburn University is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Water Quality & Nutrient Management in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences.
2. What is the job identification number?
The Job ID is 2026-10532.
3. What is the salary?
The advertised annual salary is US$60,000.
4. What is the expected starting date?
The expected start date is January 1, 2027.
5. What is the duration of the appointment?
The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of four years, subject to performance and funding availability.
6. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in soil science, hydrology, or a closely related field by the start of employment. They must also have relevant experience in phosphorus transport modelling, phosphorus chemistry, water quality, field monitoring, GIS, remote sensing, and scientific publishing.
7. Which models are used in this research?
The position specifically mentions the APEX and SWAT models, along with the P-Index and hydrological information, for evaluating phosphorus transport and phosphorus-loss risks.
8. Is fieldwork required?
Yes. The position involves rainfall simulation experiments, edge-of-field monitoring, sample collection, and extensive travel to monitoring sites for water-quality data collection.
9. Which documents are required for the application?
Applicants must upload a cover letter, current CV, and copies of academic transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
10. When does application review begin?
Active review begins on November 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
11. Can international candidates apply?
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in the United States at the start of employment and throughout the appointment. The advertisement does not confirm whether visa sponsorship is available, so candidates should check with the university.
Final Summary
The Postdoctoral Fellow position at Auburn University offers a research opportunity in agricultural water quality, phosphorus transport, and nutrient management, with an annual salary of US$60,000 and an initial two-year appointment.
Researchers with expertise in soil science, hydrology, nutrient transport modelling, GIS, remote sensing, and field-based water-quality monitoring should review the eligibility criteria and prepare a complete application.
Important: Applications will be reviewed beginning November 15, 2026, and recruitment will remain open until the position is filled.
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