Postdoctoral Researcher (Anticipated)
(This is a grant funded, Non-tenure-track Position. Continuation will be dependent on funding, job performance and continued need for the appointment.)
WORK LOCATION: The position will be housed on the LSU AgCenter Campus in Baton Rouge.
This position will work collaboratively with project participants in the LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Science, the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Plant Pathology & Crop Physiology Department. The person hired will also travel regularly to the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase, LA, to collaborate with scientists at this location.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: A Postdoctoral Research Position is available at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station, in the use of Bayesian networks to develop a decision support system (DSS) for improving sweet potato productivity.
A participatory modeling approach will be adopted in the development and calibration of the underlying model. The model base will interface with the LSU AgCenter agriclimatic database for real-time processing of agriclimatic-related model variables.
It is expected that stakeholders will be able to access the DSS through multiple interface options, including stand-alone computers, networked devices and telephony.
Preference will be given to open source applications and tools to help ensure sustainability of the DSS after the life of the project.
The Position is funded under the Specialty Crops Research Initiative Program of the USDA-CSREES.
In addition to Scientists in the LSU AgCenter, this position will collaborate with Scientists at participating universities, including Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University and University of California, Davis. The successful applicant is also expected to provide assistance to these project collaborators in adopting the DSS, in their respective locations.
Under the guidance of Dr. Arthur Villordon, the applicant is expected to carry out model development and DSS work associated with the project. The applicant is also expected to provide research management support to Project Director Dr. Tara Smith.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should hold a recent Ph.D. in a relevant field. Experience is desired in: Environmental Modeling, preferably Agriculture, Climatology or Meteorology; Analysis of Data Sets; Statistical and Computer Programming skills and good communication skills.
The candidate must be able to work in a team environment.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package, with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), University holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 15, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online, at:
https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/
by attaching a cover letter with resume, complete Curriculum Vita, transcripts and contact information.
Three letters of reference should be sent directly to Dr. Arthur Villordon.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Arthur Villordon
Louisiana State University -- Agricultural Center
Sweet Potato Research Station
318-435-2155
avillordon@agcenter.lsu.edu
http://www.lsuagcenter.com 
