An NSF-funded Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoctoral Fellow I) position is available in the Brahney Environmental Biogeochemistry Lab at Utah State University. We seek a curious, self-motivated scientist excited about nutrient cycling in forested watersheds.

Project: You will join a collaborative NSF/NEON effort measuring particulates and throughfall chemistry across 10 NEON forest sites. The postdoc will analyze atmospheric deposition composition and chemistry, relate results to environmental and ecological variables across sites, and contribute to synthesis, and publications. The position offers close collaboration with project PIs and participation in broader research activities.

• Lead analysis of deposition and throughfall chemistry across sites.
• Integrate chemical data with environmental/ecological covariates; conduct analyses and interpretation.
• Lead manuscript writing and publication; present results at conferences.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Biogeochemistry, Ecology, Earth/Environmental Science) by the start date.
• Demonstrated proficiency with quantitative laboratory/analytical methods.
• Proficiency in R, MATLAB, or Python.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with atmospheric deposition/throughfall or watershed biogeochemistry.
• Familiarity with NEON data and/or multi-site syntheses.
• Skills in statistical modeling (e.g., mixed effects, Bayesian), geospatial analysis, and reproducible workflows.
• Strong scientific writing and collaborative communication.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV" 

2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile 

3. Writing samples to be uploaded to the Candidate Profile under "Other Documents 1-10"

4. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The position requires some physical activity and work in a wet chemistry laboratory. Employees must have sufficient knowledge and strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position, including maintaining safe chemical practices, moving and lifting equipment (up to 50 pounds) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment.

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah. 

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025