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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

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 ...

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How much do postdoctoral plant breeding jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 job?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Postdoctoral Plant Breeding position, 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.

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.
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Postdoctoral Plant Breeding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Plant Breeding job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 hours ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Requisition Number DU13114 Department Name 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES Work Location Lexington, KY Salary Range $54,000 Type of Position Other Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding & Genetics or related field awarded prior to start date
Required Related Experience
Demonstrated experience in field-based plant breeding projects
Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication in English
Required License/Registration/Certification
Valid US Driver's License, and eligible to drive University of Kentucky vehicles
Physical Requirements
Positions may include, but not limited to, sitting for long periods of time, repetitive motion, lifting, pushing/pulling, exposure to heat/cold.
Shift
Monday - Friday; 8-5 is standard, may include nights/weekends/holidays as required by project/supervisor
Job Summary
This advertisement seeks to fill an open postdoctoral position in the Rye Breeding Project in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY). The goal of this project is to develop commercially viable, short statured, high yielding, open pollinated rye varieties suitable for baking, brewing and distillation. 
The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in "The Initiative to Bring Rye Back to Kentucky" by serving as a connecting link between farmers, end-users and researchers, promoting soil health and sustainable production practices, designing experiments, and collecting, analyzing, sharing, and reporting data to the growers and project's board. The candidate will thus have the opportunity to improve interpersonal and strategic planning skills, along with knowledge and documentation of sustainable farming practices.
The candidate is also expected to develop rye breeding populations, screen for agronomic fitness as well as end use quality, and participate in the development of a nascent rye genomic selection platform. In addition to generating germplasm, publishable data and new agronomic, breeding, and/or genomic knowledge, the selected candidate will work with the rye breeding team on manuscript preparation, meeting presentations and grant writing, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
The anticipated division of time is: farm visits and communicating with growers (15%); writing post-farm visit reports, organizing data, writing newsletters and planning annual meetings (10%) conducting experiments and analyzing data (50%), contributing to manuscript or grant writing and mentoring of lab members (25%). This position is funded by "The Initiative to Bring Rye Back to Kentucky" for one year, with the opportunity for up to two additional years, contingent on performance.
To apply, please upload (1) Letter of interest that addresses each of the requirements and preferred qualifications, (2) CV, and (3) Contact information for three professional references. Initial review of applications will begin on March 3, 2025, but will be open until the position is filled. Please direct questions to Dr. Lauren Brzozowski (lauren.brzozowski@uky.edu).
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Skills/knowledge will vary depending on project and area of research.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience
Experience working with farmers in collaborative research projects
Expertise in molecular or genomic plant breeding methods
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Evidence of performing high-quality research individually and as part of a team
Deadline to Apply 08/31/2026 Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

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Year founded

1865

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