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Plant Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$30 - $32/hr

The Research Associate designs and executes laboratory and greenhouse experiments to support transgene expression engineering and plant research. This role focuses on vector construction ...

... plant research. The successful candidate will plan and organize time and tasks effectively. S/he must have extensive reading and writing skills in order to professionally process incoming and ...

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Plant Research information

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$11K

$112.8K

$129K

How much do plant research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant research in the United States is $112,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Researcher, you need a solid background in plant biology, genetics, and experimental design, usually supported by a degree in botany, agriculture, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as R or SAS), and possibly certifications in laboratory safety are common requirements. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills make individuals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting rigorous experiments, interpreting results accurately, and advancing knowledge in plant science.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in plant research, and how can they be managed?

Plant research professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining plant health under controlled conditions, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and troubleshooting experimental variability. Managing these challenges requires meticulous planning, regular equipment calibration, and collaboration with colleagues in fields like genetics, data analysis, and agronomy. Staying current with new research methods and maintaining clear communication with team members can also greatly enhance the success of plant research projects.

What is plant research?

Plant research is the scientific study of plants and their processes, including their growth, genetics, physiology, ecology, and interactions with the environment. Researchers in this field work to better understand how plants function, adapt, and respond to various stimuli. This knowledge can be applied to improve agriculture, develop new plant-based products, address environmental challenges, and support biodiversity conservation. Plant research may take place in laboratories, greenhouses, or in the field, using a range of techniques from molecular biology to ecological surveys.
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What cities are hiring for Plant Research jobs? Cities with the most Plant Research job openings:
What states have the most Plant Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plant Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,800 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research

Ithaca, NY โ€ข On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description:

A postdoctoral research position is available at the Boyce Thompson Institute, located on the Cornell University campus, to join an interdisciplinary project focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating fruit development. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to study the molecular pathways underlying adaptations and responses to drought during tomato fruit growth. This project, recently funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will use transcriptomic, metabolomics and genomics approaches to analyze the role of sugar and starch metabolism in tissue- and cell-specific responses of fruit to drought stress. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate closely with other researchers working on fruit development and ripening at the Boyce Thompson Institute (https://btiscience.org/) and Cornell University. This position suits researchers interested in regulation of carbon metabolism and source-sink relationships during plant growth and developmental processes.


Please send applications to Dr. Carmen Catala (cc283@cornell.edu). Applications should include :

ยท A cover letter briefly describing past research experience and career goals. Include anticipated timeline for completing Ph.D., if relevant.

ยท Curriculum vitae with publications

ยท Contact information for three references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The initial appointment period will be one year with potential for renewal contingent upon successful performance.

Requirements:

Candidates are expected to have a recent Ph.D. in biology, plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry or related field. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant metabolism, plant genomics, and/or fruit development, and expertise in molecular genetic techniques including transcriptome analysis, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and/or mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.