Salary/Position Classification

• $48,000 12-month contract, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: This position is eligible for remote work.
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

The Department of Biology at the University of North Dakota is seeking a post-doctoral research fellow to conduct research on the soil health benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program as part of an established USDA-funded project that involves over 400 sampling sites across the U.S. The appointment will be for one year and is full time and benefitted. 

The Fellow will help coordinate and conduct summer field soil and vegetation surveys, help, analyze and interpret soil physical, chemical, and biological responses, prepare manuscripts for publication, and proposals for external grants. The ideal candidate will have field experience in soil sampling or vegetation surveys, research experience in soil health, nematode ecology, and/or molecular biology, experience with computing software (e.g. R, Python), and experience in publishing first-authored papers. The position is eligible for remote work. Applications must be submitted to the UND online job posting and review will begin April 18, 2025. Please send questions to Kathryn.Yurkonis@und.edu.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate receiving and processing soil samples
• Help conduct summer in-field soil sampling and vegetation surveys
• Analyze and interpret physical, chemical, and biological soil health metrics
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and proposals for external grants
• Prepare project reports
• Maintain instruments and lab environment
• Help ensure team adherence to the data management plan
• Mentor junior team members

Required Competencies

• Highly self-motivated and enthusiastic in research
• Capable of working independently
• Quantitative modeling and data analysis skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty,
  staff, and students
• Ability to mentor junior team members

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in soil science, ecology, or a related field
• Valid US Driver’s license
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Field experience with soil sampling or vegetation surveys
• Research experience in soil health, biota, and/or nematode ecology
• Experience with computing software (R, Python, GIS)
• Experience with large datasets and multivariate data analysis approaches
• Experience in publishing first-authored papers

To Apply

To assure full consideration, applications must be received by 04/25/2025 and include the following materials:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for 2 to 3 references

Position is open until filled. Please refer any questions about this position to Dr. Kathryn Yurkonis at kathryn.yurkonis@und.edu.