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Postdoctoral Plant Breeding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... Postdoctoral Research Scientists - Plant Genetic Improvement to conduct research on genetic ... D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (plant sciences, genetics, plant breeding or ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Uvalde, TX · On-site

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Uvalde ... D. in Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology or Agronomy Ability to work ...

NCSU

Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Previous experience performing cotton or other plant breeding or biology activities, including ... students, postdoctoral researchers, research station personnel, visiting scientists, and other ...

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How much do postdoctoral plant breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral plant breeding 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 breeding?

A Postdoctoral Plant Breeding job is a research-focused position for Ph.D. graduates specializing in genetics, agronomy, or related fields. It involves conducting experiments, analyzing genetic data, and developing improved crop varieties with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, or climate adaptability. Postdocs work in academic, government, or industry settings, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. This role helps advance agricultural science and prepares researchers for independent careers in plant breeding or related disciplines.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a postdoctoral plant breeding researcher?

A Postdoctoral Plant Breeding researcher typically designs experiments, conducts field and greenhouse trials, analyzes genetic data, and collaborates with other scientists on breeding projects. Daily tasks often involve collecting and evaluating plant traits, using statistical and bioinformatics tools to interpret results, and documenting findings for reports or scientific publications. You may also mentor graduate students or technical staff and present results at lab meetings or conferences. This dynamic role combines hands-on research with data analysis, contributing valuable insights to crop improvement efforts.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Plant Breeding professional, you need a Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics, or a related field, along with strong research experience in crop improvement and data analysis. Proficiency with molecular marker technologies, statistical genetics software (like R or SAS), and familiarity with genomics tools are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaborative teamwork, and effective scientific communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills enable you to design and execute innovative breeding programs, interpret complex data, and successfully contribute to multidisciplinary research teams.

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Postdoctoral Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Plant Breeding 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 Research Associate in Plant Breeding and Genomic Prediction

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Breeding and Genomic PredictionAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research focused on cover crop improvement, agronomic performance, and plant responses to environmental stress. The successful candidate will conduct advanced data analyses, design and manage controlled-environment experiments, and support the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Key Responsibilities
  • Analyze agronomic datasets from cover crop experiments using advanced statistical and quantitative genetic approaches.
  • Apply genomic prediction methods to evaluate and improve cover crop performance.
  • Design, implement, and manage climate chamber experiments under shade and other environmental stress conditions.
  • Collect, process, and analyze seedling phenotypic data, including morphological, physiological, and stomatal traits.
  • Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to grant-funded research objectives.
  • Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in Plant Breeding
  • Experience in design and analysis of field experiments.
  • Experience with analysis of genome-wide marker analyses.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with crops grown along with cover crops.
  • Experience with design, conduct, and analysis of climate chamber experiments.
  • Experience analyzing plant physiological traits, particularly shade response and stomata traits.
  • Experience working in large interdisciplinary teams.
  • Experience with publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Agronomy in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a nationally recognized leader in crop production, plant breeding, genetics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. The department conducts innovative research that addresses global challenges in food security, environmental stewardship, and agricultural resilience while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and translating discoveries into practical solutions for producers and society

Department Unit/Website:
Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 24, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:August 19, 2026Posting Close Date:August 25, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19794

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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