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Soil Science Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536157 Work type: Research Faculty ... Required Qualifications PhD in environmental sciences, soil sciences, civil and environmental ...

POSITION SPECIFICS Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity Grain Crop Production Laboratory - Department ... D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or related discipline. * Expertise in field ...

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Soil Science Postdoctoral information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do soil science postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 job?

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar - Grain Crop Production

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 6 hours ago


Penn State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 534 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
Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity
Grain Crop Production Laboratory - Department of Plant Science - Penn State University
https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/labs/grain-production-lab
Position Summary
The Grain Crop Production Lab in the Department of Plant Science at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on investigating best management practices for increasing the sustainability and productivity of grain cropping systems in Pennsylvania. Two main lines of investigation within our research and extension program include improving water and nutrient use efficiency in corn, soybean, and wheat production.
This position provides a unique opportunity to lead integrative research combining precision agriculture, plant abiotic stress physiology, data analysis and predictive modelling for the development of decision support tools. This position will also provide ample opportunity for the development of grant and scientific writing skills and leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead experiments to characterize corn intraspecific aboveground and belowground competition for nitrogen under different environmental constraints.
  • Integrate field experimentation and analysis of large datasets to identify soybean maturity groups adapted to Pennsylvania's climatic zones.
  • Conduct winter wheat fertilizer response trials as part of a multi-state project aiming at improving P and K fertilizer recommendations in the US.
  • Analyze large, multidimensional datasets using advanced statistical and computational approaches.
  • Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, contribute to grant proposals, and present findings at conferences.
  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers and collaborate with faculty and interdisciplinary teams.

Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science, or related discipline.
  • Expertise in field experimentation, grain crop management, plant abiotic stress physiology, and plant-soil interactions.
  • Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals and strong scientific communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team.
  • Selected candidate must posess a U.S. driver's license and will be required to complete a motor vehicle record background check.

Appointment Details
* Position Type: Full-time, 1-year appointment, renewable based on performance and funding.
* Start Date: 03/02/2026 (preferred).
* Location: University Park, Pennsylvania.
* Salary: Competitive, with full Penn State benefits.
Application Instructions
Submit the following materials as a single PDF file:
1. Cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and career goals.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information
Daniela Carrijo
Grain Crop Production Lab
Department of Plant Science
Pennsylvania State University
Email: dzc5794@psu.edu
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
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.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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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