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Postdoctoral Crop Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Crop Science information

What are some typical collaborative projects a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist might engage in within a research institution?

As a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, you’ll often collaborate on multidisciplinary projects that may involve genetics, agronomy, soil science, and data analysis. It’s common to work alongside senior researchers, graduate students, and sometimes industry partners to address challenges like crop yield improvement, disease resistance, or sustainable farming practices. These collaborations typically require regular communication, shared data analysis, and co-authorship of publications, helping you develop both technical and teamwork skills. Engaging in such projects not only broadens your expertise but also expands your professional network, which can be valuable for future career advancement.

What are Postdoctoral Crop Scientists?

Postdoctoral Crop Scientists are researchers who have completed their doctoral degrees and are engaged in advanced studies and research related to crop science. They typically work in universities, government agencies, or private industry to improve crop yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and sustainable farming practices. Their work often involves conducting experiments, publishing scientific papers, and collaborating with other scientists or agricultural professionals. Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and serve as a stepping stone to permanent academic or research-focused careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, you need an advanced degree (Ph.D.) in crop science or a related field, with strong expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and plant biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (such as R or SAS), and molecular biology techniques is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and scientific communication skills help you stand out in this research-intensive role. These skills and qualifications are essential for conducting high-quality research, publishing impactful findings, and contributing to advancements in agricultural science.
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Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Crop Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

University of Florida

Orange, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


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7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

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Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

Apply now Job no: 540657
Work type: Post Doc Associate
Location: Orange
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60870000 - AG-MREC-APOPKA

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements:

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . 

We are seeking applications to fill a postdoctoral research associate position with UF/IFAS located off campus at the Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) near Orlando, Florida. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue applied and basic research relating to weed biology and management in ornamental crops. This position will be an initial 18 month appointment with a possible extension, working with MREC faculty coordinating and conducting research on:

  • Growth, reproduction, and germination requirements for common and emerging weed species important in Florida container nurseries
  • Use of plant growth regulators and alternative strategies for weed and labor management in container nurseries and landscapes
  • Development of alternative and non-chemical methods of weed control by altering production practices and cultural management strategies.
  • Assessment of herbicide efficacy, leaching, and fate in container nurseries
  • Growth response of weeds to differing soilless substrate compositions, fertilization, and irrigation management practices
  • Screening preemergence herbicides and ornamentals for safety and efficacy to develop more effective preemergence herbicide rotations for nursery growers
  • Determining ornamental crop response to weed management strategies and their growth and resource utilization when grown in competition with weed species

Specific operational tasks for the position will involve but are not limited to:

  • Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments to investigate weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
  • Collect, manage, analyze and interpret data from the experiments, and produce publications and reports synthesizing research results in the context of relevant literature.
  • Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects

MREC is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, northwest Orange county and 15 miles from a vibrant, multi-cultural downtown and right next to Lake Apopka, one of Florida's largest and encompassing the world famous North Shore wildlife refuge.  Housing is affordable and widely available.  Benefits include health and dental, and 130.5 hours of annual leave.

Questions regarding the position should be emailed to Dr. Chris Marble (marblesc@ufl.edu).

Background Information:

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.  

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in weed science, horticulture, plant biology, crop science, agronomy, forestry, or a related discipline of plant science with a focus on horticultural/plant production is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   

Preferred:

A strong record of course work and independent research in subjects such as weed science, container production, pest management, controlled environments, and crop and soil management is desirable. Abilities and skills in statistical analyses, data management and visualization, and scientific writing is desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date and submit: 

  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and describing your relevant skill set
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible.Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. 

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 23 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853