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Potato Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohalo

Commercial Potato Breeder

Watsonville, CA

Serve as the technical bridge between R&D, product, and commercial teams , translating data into ... Strong understanding of potato production systems, grower needs, and commercial success factors.

University of Idaho Job

Research Associate I

Moscow, ID · On-site

$56K/yr

The position will also assist the University of Idaho Potato Variety Development program with field trials, harvesting and grading. Position Overview Performs research activities and analysis ...

University of Idaho

Research Associate I

Moscow, ID · On-site

$56K/yr

The position will also assist the University of Idaho Potato Variety Development program with field trials, harvesting and grading. Position Overview Performs research activities and analysis ...

The Pennsylvania State University

This position has 60% extension, 25% research and 15% teaching responsibilities and will be located ... of the grape and potato industries in Pennsylvania, both important crops in the region.

Virginia Tech

Research Specialist Sr.

Blacksburg, VA

... potato, green bean, tomato, peppers, etc.) with additional opportunities to work with small fruits, tree fruits, and ornamental crops. Responsibilities will also include lab (post-harvest assessments ...

PepsiCo

Senior Scientist - Variety Agronomy

Rhinelander, WI · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Working closely with potato breeders, you'll help select top-performing varieties and recommend sustainable, high-performance crop practices and technologies. Your expertise in research agronomy and ...

Farmers Kitchen LLC

Agronomist

Waterford, PA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Paid time off Folkland Foods is a farmer-owned, mission driven brand of organic potato products, to ... Trial and plot management for all research projects. * Petiole and tissue sampling program ...

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Potato Research information

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$24K

$78.8K

$175K

How much do potato research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for potato research in the United States is $78,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is potato research?

Potato research is the scientific study and investigation of various aspects of potato cultivation, improvement, and disease management. Researchers in this field work to develop new potato varieties, enhance crop yield, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and optimize growing practices. The goal of potato research is to support farmers, ensure food security, and advance sustainable agriculture by making potato production more efficient and resilient.

What is the difference between Potato Research vs Plant Pathologist?

AspectPotato ResearchPlant Pathologist
CredentialsDegree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related fieldDegree in Plant Pathology, Agriculture, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field trials, agricultural research centersLaboratories, field sites, diagnostic labs
Industry UsagePrimarily in agricultural research institutions and universitiesUniversities, government agencies, private sector
Common Search IntentResearch methods, crop improvement, disease resistance in potatoesDisease diagnosis, pathogen management, crop health

Potato Research focuses on developing new potato varieties, improving yields, and disease resistance specifically for potatoes. Plant Pathologists study plant diseases across various crops, including potatoes, diagnosing issues and managing plant health. While both roles involve plant health and disease management, Potato Research is specialized in potato crop development, whereas Plant Pathologists have a broader scope across multiple plant species.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in potato research, and how are they addressed within research teams?

Professionals in potato research often face challenges such as managing crop diseases, adapting to climate variability, and developing varieties that meet both yield and quality standards. These challenges require a multidisciplinary approach, where researchers collaborate closely with plant pathologists, geneticists, and agronomists. Teams typically address these issues through field trials, laboratory experiments, and data analysis, while also working with local farmers to ensure research findings are practical and applicable. Regular team meetings and cross-institutional collaborations help keep everyone aligned and foster innovative solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Potato Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Potato Research, you typically need a background in plant science, agronomy, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced qualification. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R or SAS), and field trial management systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualifications enable researchers to develop improved potato varieties, address agricultural challenges, and effectively share findings with scientific and farming communities.
More about Potato Research jobs
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Potato Research jobs near you

Research Faculty, Potato/Onion Agronomist

University of Idaho Job

Moscow, ID • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Posting Number F001396P Internal Posting? Recruitment Title Research Faculty, Potato/Onion Agronomist Advertising Pay Range Commensurate with Experience Location Parma Primary Division/College College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Primary Unit Plant Sciences Employee Category Faculty Classification Group Title Research Faculty Position Control Number 1449 Suffix 00 Contingency Code Not Applicable FTE
1
Contract Basis Fiscal Year Anticipated Contract Start Date 02/17/2026 FLSA Status Exempt Tenure Tracking Negotiable (must be justified) Rank Negotiable (must be justified) Extension Type Not Applicable Administrative Appointment Type Not applicable Administrative Appointment End Date (if applicable)
Position Responsibilities
Position Summary
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Science, seeks an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor for a fiscal-year, tenure-track or tenured appointment. The Potato/Onion Agronomist at the Parma R&E Center will devote 60% of their effort to research on potato and onion agronomy, including publishing findings, presenting at conferences, securing extramural funding, and mentoring graduate students. 35% of the role involves Extension and outreach, developing and disseminating educational materials, bulletins, and presentations for stakeholders and the public. The remaining 5% includes service through participation in faculty meetings, committees, and professional activities such as reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals. Rank and tenure are negotiable based on how the candidate meets the criteria outlined in department and college bylaws.
Unit/Department Summary
https://www.uidaho.edu/agricultural-life-sciences/academics/plant-sciences
Administrative Summary Contingency Description Teaching & Advising 0% Scholarship & Creative Activity 60% Outreach & Extension 35% University Service & Leadership 5%
Qualifications
Minimum Education/Degree Required Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire. Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in plant science, agronomy, crop science, horticulture, agroecology, or related scientific discipline that demonstrates research competency in crop production and agronomy.
  • Experience planning, conducting, and reporting on field-based experiments in agronomic systems.
  • Record of published research results in refereed scientific journals and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience with verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated knowledge of potato and/or onion production systems.
  • Evidence of success at securing competitive grant funding.
  • Experience creating and delivering presentations at scientific meetings and/or to stakeholder audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate in multi-disciplinary team-based research and extension programs.
  • Evidence of ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams composed of multi-institutional colleagues, stakeholders, and members of commodity groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage staff.
  • Evidence of success in mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students and/or post-doctoral researchers.
  • Experience writing extension publications and popular press articles for non-scientific audiences.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • Be able to work outdoors in cold, temperate, or hot weather; able to work in wet or dry weather conditions.
  • Be able to walk distances to inspect and work in fields and lab settings.
  • Be able to lift, carry and/or otherwise move at least 50 pounds.
Posting Information
Posting Date 11/24/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications received by January 4, 2026, will receive first consideration.
Along with your online application, write a letter of qualification addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
In addition, your application materials must include a CV, names & contact information for at least three (3) professional references, and unofficial transcripts.
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. No

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