Postdoctoral Associate - Electrical Weed Control Technologies in Specialty Crops

Position Overview Postdoctoral Associate – Electrical Weed Control Technologies in Specialty Crops Summary Rutgers University invites applications for a Post‑Doctoral Associate to support a collaborative, multi‑institutional research program evaluating electrical weed control technologies in specialty crop systems. The research will focus on pulsed high‑power (HPP) systems (iTerra WALL‑E) and continuous‑contact electrical weeding technologies, including the Zasso XPower (E*Coffee) system and the Zasso eWeeding Roller. The position is based at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center and involves close collaboration with Cornell AgriTech and UC Davis. Responsibilities Design, implement, and manage field and greenhouse trials evaluating pulsed HPP and continuous‑contact electrical weed control technologies across diverse weed species and growth stages. Coordinate multi‑location research activities between Rutgers and Cornell. Collect and analyze plant morphometric, physiological, and environmental data. Evaluate weed control efficacy, crop safety, and regrowth dynamics. Lead Rutgers‑based research on crop tolerance and biological responses, including disease suppression in cranberry systems; conduct statistical analyses, contribute to cross‑site data integration, and disseminate findings through reports, peer‑reviewed publications, presentations, and mentoring. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, Plant Biology, Horticulture, or related discipline. Demonstrated experience in field‑based agricultural research with focus on novel weed management technologies. Strong background in experimental design and statistical analysis. Experience with plant physiology, weed ecology, or crop protection systems. Certifications/Licenses Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between research sites (NJ–NY). Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to manage multi‑site research projects and large datasets. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SAS). Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams. Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between research sites (NJ–NY). Preferred Qualifications Experience with non‑chemical weed control technologies, including electrical weed control systems. Knowledge of specialty crop production systems (vegetable and/or perennial crops). Familiarity with field‑based research methods and data collection in applied agricultural systems. Equipment Utilized iTerra High Pulse Power HPP WALL‑E system. Zasso XPower (E*Coffee) and eWeeding Roller systems. Precision agriculture and weed control technologies. Field research facilities at Rutgers RAREC and Cornell AgriTech. Physical Demands and Work Environment Combination of field, greenhouse, and laboratory work. Fieldwork under varying environmental conditions. Travel required between Rutgers (NJ) and Cornell (NY) research sites. Benefits Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage. Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs. Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options. Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable). Life insurance coverage. Employee discount programs. Posting Information Department: Blueberry – Cranberry. Posting number: 26FA0450. Position status: Full Time. Salary: $64,000. Statement This research is part of a national effort to develop scalable, non‑chemical weed control solutions in response to herbicide resistance, regulatory pressures, and increasing demand for sustainable agriculture. The project evaluates multiple electrical weed control technologies, including pulsed high‑power systems and continuous‑contact platforms, which deliver electrical energy to plant tissues and cause irreversible cellular damage through thermal and physical disruption. These approaches provide effective weed control without chemical residues and with no known mechanisms for resistance evolution. Pre‑Employment Screening Requirements All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings. Immunization Requirements Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non‑Discrimination Statement at the following web address: #J-18808-Ljbffr Rutgers University