USDA-ARS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Soil Science

ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Pendleton, Oregon.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.

About the Role

The mission of the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center is to conduct innovative research leading to solutions that increase efficiency and productivity of cropping systems and providing tools that promote soil and agroecosystem health in the low and intermediate precipitation zones of inland Pacific Northwest.

You will focus on impacts of agricultural practices on soil chemical and physical properties, biogeochemical processes that influence carbon and nitrogen dynamics and cycling. You will take plant, soil and air samples and examine biogeochemical processes that influence carbon and nitrogen dynamics and cycling in different cropping systems, and study interactions within the soil-water-plant-air continuum using process-based models.

Responsibilities

• Take proper soil, plant, and air samples that influence carbon and nitrogen dynamics.
• Examine how soil and plant management affect crop yields, soil organic carbon and nitrogen, plant nutrient uptake, and soil pH.
• Gain experience using process-based models or developing digital twins for soil carbon and nitrogen models.
• Collaborate with scientists and colleagues at or outside the USDA and universities nationally or internationally.
• Attend local and national meetings to present data collected during training.

Learning Objectives

• Gain experience studying how agricultural practices influence soil health, crop productivity, and agroecosystem sustainability.
• Develop skills in collecting and analyzing soil, plant, and air samples to evaluate carbon and nitrogen cycling in cropping systems.
• Learn how biogeochemical processes affect soil chemical and physical properties, nutrient dynamics, soil organic carbon, and soil pH.
• Gain exposure to process-based modeling and digital twin approaches for soil carbon and nitrogen.
• Develop understanding of interactions within the soil–water–plant–air continuum and their impacts on agricultural productivity.
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers from USDA, universities, and other national and international research institutions.
• Build scientific communication skills through opportunities to present research findings at local and national scientific meetings.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in soil science, biosystem engineering, biogeochemistry, or a related field (e.g., environmental science, data science).
• Degree must have been received within the past five years or anticipated to be received by 10/1/2026.
• Participants cannot operate government vehicles (GOV). If needed, they can use personal vehicles or rent a vehicle for appointment-related activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in statistical analysis and process-based modeling.
• Training in database development and management, with experience and interest in modeling soil carbon cycling, plant nutrients, or agricultural systems.
• Ability to publish results.
• Knowledge of soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, and agroecosystem health is desirable.
• Ability to research across disciplines and excellent communication skills.

Skills

Preferred skills include:

• Related degrees in environmental science, data science, and data management.
• Experience in process-based modeling of soil carbon cycling, plant nutrients, or agricultural systems.
• Strong background in soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil biology.

Benefits

Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Pay

Stipend: $95,000.00 – $106,334.00 yearly.

Schedule

• Anticipated appointment start date: October 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
• The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Full-time participation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.