Texas A&M AgriLife Research at the Dallas Center, United States, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Urban Horticulture. This fully funded research opportunity is ideal for early-career scientists specializing in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), crop physiology, and sustainable food production systems.
Urban horticulture is one of the fastest-growing fields, addressing the need for year-round, resource-efficient, and high-quality food production in cities. By joining this program, you will be part of a team advancing indoor farming, hydroponics, and greenhouse-based innovations that can reshape urban food supply chains worldwide.
Role and Research Focus
The Postdoctoral Associate will work on controlled environment crop physiology and advanced production systems. The goal is to improve crop yield, nutritional quality, and sustainability while reducing environmental impact.
Key research areas include:
- Plant physiology in controlled environments (greenhouses and indoor growth chambers)
- Automated data acquisition using environmental sensors and data loggers
- Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements
- Hydroponic production system performance analysis
- Nutritional and phytochemical profiling with spectrophotometers and HPLC
- Publishing peer-reviewed research and presenting at international conferences
This position is initially funded for one year, with the potential for extension based on performance and funding availability.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Ph.D. in horticulture, crop science, or related field
- Proven experience in plant physiology and controlled environment research
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Evidence of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Salary and Benefits
- Annual Salary: Minimum $50,000
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- Opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and networking
- Possibility of contract renewal based on performance and funding
Why Join Texas A&M AgriLife Research?
Texas A&M AgriLife is a global leader in urban horticulture and sustainable agriculture research. The Dallas Center integrates advanced technologies with practical solutions to address the growing demand for sustainable urban food systems.
By working here, you will gain hands-on experience with next-generation greenhouses, indoor farming technologies, and analytical equipment, positioning yourself at the forefront of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this position open to international applicants?
Yes, international candidates are welcome if they have the right to work in the U.S. or can secure a work visa.
Q2: What facilities will be available?
Researchers will have access to modern greenhouses, indoor growth chambers, advanced monitoring systems, spectrophotometers, and HPLC.
Q3: Can the position be extended beyond one year?
Yes, extensions are possible depending on performance and funding.
Q4: What makes Texas A&M unique in urban horticulture research?
The program combines world-class research, innovation, and real-world application, making it a hub for sustainable food production studies.
Q5: Is this a teaching role?
No, the position is research-focused, though opportunities exist to present findings at conferences and collaborate with academic teams.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare:
- A cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a publication list
- Contact details of three professional references
Send applications and inquiries to:
📩 Dr. Genhua Niu, Professor in Urban Horticulture
Email: genhua.niu@ag.tamu.edu