1

Soil Science Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory & Field Technician

Logan, UT · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Coordinate and execute the processing of the NRCS CEAP soil samples with the Soil Science Program Director and Postdoctoral Research Associate. This includes the following: * Weighing and drying of ...

Laboratory & Field Technician

Logan, UT

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Coordinate and execute the processing of the NRCS CEAP soil samples with the Soil Science Program Director and Postdoctoral Research Associate. This includes the following: * Weighing and drying of ...

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Lubbock ... D. in soil science, agronomy, crop physiology, or related fields, with a focus on nutrient ...

Visiting Fellow

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

D. in Soil Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research experience. The ... postdoctoral researchers, and students within the Lal Carbon Center. The position offers ...

Visiting Fellow

Columbus, OH · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

D. in Soil Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research experience. The ... postdoctoral researchers, and students within the Lal Carbon Center. The position offers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Soil Science Postdoctoral information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do soil science postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil science postdoctoral 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the soil science postdoctoral position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Soil Science Postdoctoral, you need a Ph.D. in soil science or a closely related field, with strong research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing skills. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, field sampling techniques, GIS software, and statistical analysis tools is typically required. Excellent communication, project management, and collaboration skills help you work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams. These abilities are essential to produce high-quality research, publish findings, and contribute meaningfully to scientific and environmental projects.

What are the typical daily or weekly responsibilities of a soil science postdoctoral researcher?

As a Soil Science Postdoctoral researcher, your daily activities may include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing soil samples in the field or laboratory, and interpreting complex data using specialized software. You'll often write and review scientific manuscripts, prepare grant proposals, and present research findings at conferences or group meetings. Collaboration with faculty, graduate students, and sometimes external partners is common, allowing you to work on multi-disciplinary projects. These responsibilities not only develop your scientific expertise but also build essential skills for future academic or industry positions.

What is a soil science postdoctoral?

A Soil Science Postdoctoral job is a research-focused position for individuals who have recently earned a Ph.D. in soil science or a related field. Postdoctoral researchers work on specialized projects that advance knowledge in areas such as soil health, nutrient cycling, microbial interactions, or sustainable land management. These roles are typically temporary, lasting between one to three years, and often involve publishing research, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and applying for grants. The position helps early-career scientists gain advanced expertise and prepare for academic, governmental, or industry roles.

More about Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs? The most popular types of Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs are:
What states have the most Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs include:
Infographic showing various Soil Science Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Position in Agronomy, Soils, and Environment

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 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

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Position in Agronomy, Soils, and EnvironmentAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The McDaniel Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a strong enthusiasm for learning to join our team at the intersection of agronomy, environmental science, and soil science. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research on soil-plant interactions while developing new skills in a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collect soil and plant samples from the field

  • Analyze soil and plant samples in the laboratory

  • Collect data from the literature

  • Analyze and visualize data using advanced statistical approaches

  • Present data at professional meetings

  • Publish research findings in top-tier journals

Come join the McDaniel Lab to hone your existing skills, learn new ones, and contribute to advancing soil-plant interaction science as part of a collegial and dynamic research team.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization using R, Python, or comparable analytical software.
  • Evidence of effective scientific communication through authorship or co-authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning new research approaches and methodologies.
  • Experience analyzing and interpreting spatial datasets using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
  • Experience conducting meta-analyses or applying meta-analytical statistical techniques, preferably demonstrated through a peer-reviewed publication.
  • Experience mentoring, supervising, or training undergraduate students in research, laboratory, or field settings.
  • Experience presenting research findings at professional or scientific conferences.

Department/Program & College Description:
Soil and plants are in a "give-and-take" relationship. The McDaniel Lab focuses on understanding this relationship and using this understanding to make farms more regenerative & sustainable.

Department Unit/Website:
Soil-Plant Interactions in the McDaniel Lab

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

PDF copies of one to three of your most recent publications

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:August 31, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 22, 2026Posting Close Date:August 5, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19651

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.


What Iowa State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom