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Water Quality Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heidelberg University

Research Scientist

Tiffin, OH · On-site

The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR) at Heidelberg University is seeking a highly motivated research scientist to assume responsibilities and conduct tasks related to the Heidelberg ...

VHB

Water Resources Project Manager

Watertown, MA · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Analyze and interpret water quality, hydrologic, and asset management data to develop clear ... Identify and pursue funding opportunities for stormwater programs, including researching funding ...

VHB

Water Resources Project Manager

Watertown, MA · Hybrid

$120K - $145K/yr

Analyze and interpret water quality, hydrologic, and asset management data to develop clear ... Identify and pursue funding opportunities for stormwater programs, including researching funding ...

VHB

Water Resources Project Manager

Watertown, MA · Hybrid

$120K - $145K/yr

Analyze and interpret water quality, hydrologic, and asset management data to develop clear ... Identify and pursue funding opportunities for stormwater programs, including researching funding ...

Audubon

Arizona Water Policy Fellow

Phoenix, AZ

$22/hr

As directed by the Arizona Policy Manager, research specific issues related to the Colorado River, surface water, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.

Tampa Bay Water

Water Plant Operator C

Clearwater, FL

$44K - $71K/yr

Researching methods for improving the Agency in support of the mission, vision and values ... Trains on water quality (WQ) analysis and trending and the required maintenance, troubleshooting ...

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Water Quality Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do water quality researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for water quality researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Quality Researcher vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater Quality ResearcherWater Quality Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, data analysisField sampling, lab testing, site monitoring
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consultanciesWater treatment plants, municipal agencies, environmental firms

Water Quality Researchers focus on studying water quality issues through data analysis and research, often working in labs or in the field to develop new methods. Water Quality Technicians primarily perform sampling, testing, and monitoring to ensure water safety and compliance. Both roles require knowledge of water standards but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Water Quality Researcher jobs
What job categories do people searching Water Quality Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality Researcher jobs are:
Water Quality Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 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 8 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

309th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Postdoc Research Associate - Nutrient Recovery and Water Reuse
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job 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, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 2, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 9, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19317
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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