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Plant Pathology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ProFarm

Research Scientist I, Plant Pathologist

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

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Master's or PhD in Plant Pathology or a related field Experience: * 3+ years of industry R&D experience with plant disease bioassays, including experimental design, data analysis, and presentation of ...

Ohio State University

Lecturer

Columbus, OH · On-site

FAES | Plant Pathology Position Overview: Applications are being invited for the position of Lecturer in the Department of Plant Pathology (plantpath.osu.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural ...

The Pennsylvania State University

We are a diverse lab team dynamic using a wide variety of microbiology, molecular biology, and plant pathology techniques for authentic research on bacterial diseases of plants funded by federal ...

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How much do plant pathology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant pathology in the United States is $82,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is plant pathology?

Plant pathology is the scientific study of plant diseases, including their causes, effects, and methods for control and prevention. Plant pathologists investigate how pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes infect plants and how environmental factors can influence disease development. Their work is essential for ensuring healthy crops, improving food security, and minimizing economic losses due to plant diseases. This field combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and agriculture to understand and manage plant health.

What is plant pathology?

Plant pathology is a scientific field that studies disease and how it relates to plants, agriculture, and botany as a whole. This includes issues like how changes in an environment affect the spread of disease, how an organism changes to adapt to infections, and how to breed or grow healthy crops in areas ravaged by a pathogen. Plant pathologists often work with agronomists (experts in soil management and crop production) to monitor research sites, gather information, and search for solutions. Plant pathology covers problems caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, protozoa, and parasitic plants, and occasionally branches out into other fields. For example, a plant pathologist may study how diseases can be transmitted from animals to plants.

What are some common challenges faced by plant pathologists in a research or agricultural setting?

Plant pathologists often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving plant diseases, limited resources for large-scale field studies, and the need to communicate complex findings to growers or policymakers. They must stay current with new disease management strategies and adapt research methods to changing environmental conditions. Collaboration with agronomists, farmers, and regulatory agencies is essential for implementing practical solutions and ensuring that research translates into real-world impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Pathologist, you need a solid background in plant biology, microbiology, and pathology, typically supported by a relevant degree such as plant science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, diagnostic tools, and data analysis software is essential for conducting research and identifying plant diseases. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills are vital for interpreting findings and collaborating with farmers, researchers, and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate disease diagnosis, effective management strategies, and advancements in plant health for sustainable agriculture.

What is the difference between Plant Pathology vs Plant Biology?

AspectPlant PathologyPlant Biology
FocusStudy of plant diseases, pathogens, and disease managementStudy of plant structure, function, genetics, and development
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in plant pathology or related fieldRequires a degree in plant biology, botany, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, agricultural settings, universitiesResearch labs, botanical gardens, universities, fieldwork
Industry UsageAgriculture, plant disease management, researchResearch, conservation, education, biotechnology

Plant Pathology focuses on understanding and managing plant diseases, while Plant Biology covers the broader aspects of plant structure and function. Both fields share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific research and application areas.

How do you become a plant pathologist?

To become a plant pathologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in plant science, biology, or a related field, followed by a master's or doctoral degree in plant pathology or a similar specialty. Gaining experience through internships, research, or laboratory work is important, and knowledge of diagnostic tools and plant disease management is essential for the role.

What can you do with a degree in plant pathology?

A degree in plant pathology prepares individuals for careers in research, crop protection, and disease management. Professionals may work in agricultural consulting, government agencies, research institutions, or the biotech industry, often utilizing laboratory skills and fieldwork to diagnose and control plant diseases.
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Cities with the most Plant Pathology job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Pathology jobs?

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What states have the most Plant Pathology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Pathology jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Plant Pathology jobs look for?

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plant pathology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Pathology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,578 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Assistant Professors: Horticulture and Plant Pathology

Clemson University

Clemson, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Clemson University rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Assistant Professors: Horticulture and Plant Pathology
The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University is seeking to fill two 9-month, tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level (75% research and 25% Extension) to work on small fruit crops. The positions are located on the main campus in Clemson, South Carolina. Clemson University is an R1 Land Grant University located on the shores of Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the upper Piedmont region of South Carolina, USA. The 1,400-acre campus is part of the 18,000 acres of University Farms and Forests devoted to teaching and research.
The successful candidates are each expected to develop a vigorous, innovative, and extramurally supported research program. The first successful candidate should have a strong background in horticulture and focus on the cultivation of economically important small fruit crops in South Carolina and the southeastern United States. The second successful candidate should have a strong background in Plant Pathology and focus on the management of fungal diseases in small fruit crops. The research must be responsive to grower and stakeholder needs. Successful candidates are expected to collaborate with other faculty members in the department and college and interact with stakeholders and commodity groups in the region and around the country. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings through publication of peer-reviewed journal articles, and active participation in the training and mentoring of graduate students and postdocs. In addition to the above responsibilities, the successful candidate will be expected to communicate findings effectively with stakeholders and to assist in teaching activities.
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with background and experience. An attractive benefits package is available.
Qualifications
The candidates must have a Ph.D. in Horticulture (first candidate), Plant Pathology (second candidate), or a closely related field. The candidates must also have strong oral and written communication skills to convey information to different audiences (e.g., colleagues, growers, and students). Additional experience beyond graduate school is desirable.
Application Instructions
Please submit electronically via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/155807) (1) a letter of interest with applicant's contact information; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; (3) personal statements of a research plan, Extension experience and plan for an Extension program; (4) contact information for three references; (5) a transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) from each degree-granting institutions (BS, MS, PhD); (6) electronic/digital copies of reprints of three recent publications combined into a single pdf file. Applicants may request that their candidacy remain confidential during the initial review process.
Application-Interview Timeline: For full consideration, please apply by November 15, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The position will remain posted until it is filled. Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to the search committee chair:
Guido Schnabel, Ph.D.
Chair, Small Fruits Horticulture (candidate 1) and Pathology (candidate 2) Search Committee
schnabe@clemson.edu
864-643-7131 cell

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