Position Information
| Posting Number |
PG191780PD |
| Position Number |
00112367 |
| Position Type |
Post Doc |
| FLSA |
Exempt |
Departmental Information
| Department ID |
118101 - Biological And Agricultural Engineering |
| Department |
118101 - Biological And Agricultural Engineering |
| Job City & State |
Raleigh, NC |
Position Overview
| Essential Job Duties |
We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a cooperative research project measuring greenhouse gas (
GHG) emissions from confined swine production systems in the southeastern United States.
The position will be mentored by Lead PI Dr. Mahmoud Sharara and Co-PI Dr. Sanjay Shah (NC State University) in collaboration with national collaborators. This multi-year project will quantify baseline emissions of ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) swine farms across North Carolina, spanning all phases of animal growth, and will evaluate advanced manure processing technologies that could reduce emissions.
The successful candidate will play a central role in field data collection using open-path Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometry (OP-
FTIR) equipment, inverse dispersion modeling (WindTrax), manure and feed sampling, and the development of emission factors and prediction tools. This position is ideal for a candidate interested in building expertise in field-based environmental monitoring, atmospheric emissions modeling, and applied animal agriculture research, with opportunities for leadership in project coordination and mentoring. North Carolina State University is a Research 1, land-grant university, one of three major research universities in the vigorous, multi-sector Research Triangle, with strong programs in agricultural & biological engineering, animal waste management, and environmental science.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct GHG emissions monitoring campaigns (targeting 14 days per 60-day period, or 21 days per season) across eight to ten cooperating swine farms in North Carolina (10% of position time)
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain open-path FTIR spectrophotometry equipment and associated meteorological sensors (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, ultrasonic anemometers at 10-meter elevation) (10% of position time)
- Apply inverse dispersion modeling (WindTrax) to 15-minute concentration and climatic data to estimate emission fluxes of CH4, NH3, and N2O from lagoons, sprayfields, and naturally-ventilated barns (10% of position time)
- Coordinate rotation of monitoring equipment across sites and manage logistics with cooperating farms, sponsors, and collaborating USDA-ARS scientists (10% of position time)
- Collect and coordinate submission of manure and feed samples for external laboratory analysis (pH, electrical conductivity, total solids, volatile solids, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon concentrations) (5% of position time)
- Deploy and maintain continuous on-site sensors for temperature and pH monitoring of manure storage structures (lagoons) (5% of position time)
- Track farm-level data, including animal stocking and removal dates and head counts, to support development of emission factors and prediction tools (10% of position time)
- Manage, process, and analyze large environmental and lab datasets; support development of methodologies and models for estimating GHG emissions from swine operations (20% of position time)
- Assist in hiring, training, and supervising field student staff supporting data collection (5% of position time)
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and stakeholder meetings (10% of position time)
- Mentor students involved in the project (5% of position time)
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| Other Work/Responsibilities |
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| Wolfpack Perks and Benefits |
As a Pack member,
you belong here, and can enjoy
exclusive perks
designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our
Employee Value Propositionand learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
- Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
- Enhance your career with LEAD courses
Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.
Attain Work-life balance with our
Childcare benefits,
Wellness & Recreation Membership, and
Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered. |
Requirements and Preferences
| Work Schedule |
Monday - Friday, 8 am-5 pm |
| Department Required Skills |
- Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Atmospheric Science, Animal Science, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in air quality/emissions monitoring; environmental instrumentation; experience with GHG monitoring instrumentation is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), manure management systems, or agricultural waste treatment technologies.
- Proficiency in data processing, statistical analysis, and programming (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB).
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to farm sites across North Carolina and perform outdoor fieldwork in varying weather conditions.
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate a field vehicle; ability to lift and transport field equipment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional team.
- Demonstrated track record of scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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| Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education |
- Valid NC driver's license
|
| Required License or Certification |
n/a |
| Valid NC Driver's License required? |
No |
| Commercial Driver's License Required? |
No |
Recruitment Details
| Anticipated Hiring Range |
$65,000-$70,000 |
| If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many |
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Applicant Information
| Quick Link |
https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235684 |
| EEO |
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or
workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. |
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North Carolina State University
$65,000-$70,000
Oct 29, 2026