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Water Quality Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Postdoctoral Associate

Blacksburg, VA

Postdoctoral Associate Apply now Back to search results Job no: 535836 Work type: Research Faculty ... Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments involving water quality chemistry ...

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$12

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How much do water quality postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality postdoc in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of research projects and collaborations can a Water Quality Postdoc expect to be involved with?

As a Water Quality Postdoc, you will typically work on interdisciplinary research projects that address pressing issues such as contaminant transport, nutrient cycling, or the impact of land use on water systems. Collaboration is common, involving partnerships with faculty, graduate students, governmental agencies, and sometimes industry stakeholders. You'll likely contribute to project design, data collection and analysis, and publication of findings. This role offers opportunities to develop leadership skills by mentoring students and leading fieldwork, as well as networking with professionals across environmental science disciplines.

What is a Water Quality Postdoc?

A Water Quality Postdoc is a researcher who has recently earned a doctoral degree and is engaged in advanced studies focused on water quality. Their work often involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing research related to water pollution, contaminants, and environmental impacts. They may work at universities, government agencies, or research institutes and often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. The goal is to generate new knowledge to improve water management practices and inform policy decisions.

What is the difference between Water Quality Postdoc vs Water Quality Scientist?

AspectWater Quality PostdocWater Quality Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in environmental science, water resources, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in environmental science, water resources, or related field; often requires experience
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, labsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic and research-focused rolesPractical, applied roles in water management and policy
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research-focused career pathsPractical roles in water quality assessment and management

In summary, a Water Quality Postdoc is primarily involved in research and academic projects requiring a PhD, while a Water Quality Scientist typically works in applied settings such as government or consulting firms, often with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Both roles focus on water quality but differ in scope, environment, and experience level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Quality Postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Quality Postdoc, you generally need a Ph.D. in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field, along with expertise in water quality analysis and research methodologies. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (such as spectrophotometers and chromatographs), statistical software (like R or MATLAB), and possibly GIS systems is typical. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective written and verbal communication skills help set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for conducting rigorous research, generating publishable findings, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address complex water quality challenges.
Infographic showing various Water Quality Postdoc job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,620 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Postdoc Research Associate - Nutrient Recovery and Water Reuse

Postdoc Research Associate - Nutrient Recovery and Water Reuse

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Postdoc Research Associate - Nutrient Recovery and Water ReuseAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with BEI Research Scientists to conduct research on nutrient recovery and recycling from cattle feedlot lagoon water using biochar-, clay mineral-, and woodchip-based filtration systems. This work will focus on developing and evaluating sustainable nutrient recovery technologies that enhance nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium retention, reduce nutrient losses, and support circular agricultural systems.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will design and carry out laboratory, greenhouse, and column studies to investigate adsorption, desorption, nutrient cycling, and nutrient transport processes within engineered sorbent systems. Responsibilities include characterizing lagoon water and sorbent materials (e.g., biochar, clay minerals, woodchips, and nutrient-enriched media) using chemical and spectroscopic techniques, evaluating nutrient recovery and release efficiencies, and assessing impacts on soil health, water quality, and environmental sustainability.

This role also involves supporting the development and evaluation of proof-of-concept nutrient recovery systems for feedlot operations in collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders. The Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to work independently, contribute to interdisciplinary team efforts, mentor students as appropriate, and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and sponsor reports.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry/Biology.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in thermochemical conversion of biomass
  • Experience with biochar analysis and utilization for slow-release fertilizer development, including sorption processes and mechanisms in various media
  • Experience with nutrient recovery from animal manure using biochar and other sorptive media
  • Understanding of soil-plant interactions in response to biochar application
  • Experience in water quality research and environmental remediation

Department/Program & College Description:
Iowa State University's Biorenewables Research Laboratory building is a visible "front door" to its many diverse and broad-reaching programs in biorenewables. The 70,000 sq. ft. facility, completed in 2010, provides affiliated faculty and staff a physical environment that promotes interdisciplinary, systems-level research and collaboration, including laboratory, meeting and teaching space for both graduate and undergraduate students. Construction was made possible through an appropriation from the state of Iowa. The Biorenewables Research Laboratory comprises about one-third of the Biorenewables Complex, which is also home to the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.

Department Unit/Website:
Biorenewable Research Laboratory | Bioeconomy Institute

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

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 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:Time Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:June 2, 2026Posting Close Date:June 16, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19319

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.

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