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Soil Science Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... Soil Microbiologist as Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct and manage research investigating the ... This position requires a PhD in food science, plant pathology, microbiology, microbial ecology ...

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How much do soil science postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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.

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Soil Science Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Science Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of June 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.
Microbial Ecologist/Soil Microbiologist - Postdoctoral Scholar

Microbial Ecologist/Soil Microbiologist - Postdoctoral Scholar

The Pennsylvania State University

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Microbial Ecologist/Soil Microbiologist as Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct and manage research investigating the ecology of predation of human and plant pathogens in organic production systems through a multi-institutional USDA/OREI funded project. The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct or coordinate research computational analysis and pattern discovery from large scale amplicon sequencing data, development of qPCR primers for specific predator, pathogen, or other organismal groups, and large-scale microcosm experiments for predation of pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. The scholar will plan, conduct and analyze research, synthesize data, prepare and scientific manuscripts, and present research results at stakeholder and national scientific conferences. The incumbent will gain experience in grant project management through the coordination of PSU's grant related goals in project management meetings.

This position requires a PhD in food science, plant pathology, microbiology, microbial ecology, soil microbiology, or related field. Competitive candidates must have sequence analysis and microbiology experience and possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills. A desire to participate in Penn State One Health Microbiome Center activities, as well as provide outreach to groups underrepresented in STEM fields and other stakeholders will be viewed positively.

Candidates should apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Candidates should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 ourBenefits 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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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

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Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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