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Postdoctoral Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Plant Genetic Improvement to conduct research on genetic improvement of Theobroma cacao , the chocolate tree as part of an interdisciplinary team. We seek ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Pennsylvania State University Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on plant ...

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How much do postdoctoral plant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral plant in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoctoral plant?

A Postdoctoral Plant job is a research-focused position for individuals who have recently earned a Ph.D. in plant sciences or a related field. These researchers work on specialized projects in academia, government institutions, or private industry, typically under the guidance of a principal investigator. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, publishing scientific papers, applying for grants, and collaborating with other scientists. Postdoctoral positions help researchers gain additional expertise and prepare for careers in academia, industry, or governmental research roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the postdoctoral plant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Plant Scientist, you need a Ph.D. in plant science, biology, or a related field, with robust research skills in experimental design and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics tools, and relevant safety certifications is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for conducting innovative research, sharing findings, and working productively within academic or industry research teams.

What are the typical research and collaboration expectations for a postdoctoral plant scientist?

As a Postdoctoral Plant Scientist, you will usually manage independent research projects while contributing to the broader goals of your supervisor’s or institution’s laboratory. Collaboration is central, as you may work closely with other researchers, lab technicians, and sometimes partner organizations to share methodologies, data, and findings. You’ll often participate in regular lab meetings, present your results at conferences, and may help mentor graduate students. The role is dynamic and can include publishing in peer-reviewed journals and seeking external grant funding to support your research. This environment offers excellent opportunities to build your professional network and develop expertise for future academic or industry positions.

More about Postdoctoral Plant jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Plant jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Plant job openings:
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Postdoctoral Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Plant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar -- Plant Genetic Improvement

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The laboratory of Mark Guiltinan and Siela Maximova in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, PA seeks to employ a highly motivated scientist for the position of Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Plant Genetic Improvement to conduct research on genetic improvement of Theobroma cacao, the chocolate tree as part of an interdisciplinary team. We seek applicants who have experience in conducting highly controlled laboratory and greenhouse plant experiments, collection of various forms of phenotypic and molecular data, statistical analysis of complex datasets. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative research environment are essential.
Applications must be submitted electronically at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and include a resume that includes educational background, publications, and work experience (Ph.D. thesis and beyond), as well as a brief statement of research interests and goals. Please also provide contact information for at least three references.
Applicants are required to have or near to having, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (plant sciences, genetics, plant breeding or related disciplines) and provide evidence all requirements have been meet for the completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire. More information about Penn State and resources for Postdoctoral scholars can be found in the following website: https://www.research.psu.edu/opa.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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