Unlock Your Future in Plant and Soil Science: Thriving Careers Await!
Plant and Soil Science drives innovations in sustainable agriculture, combating climate change through resilient crops and healthy soils. This dynamic field attracts students pursuing degrees in agronomy, horticulture, and soil microbiology, while offering professors roles in cutting-edge research at top universities. From breeding disease-resistant plants to modeling soil carbon sequestration, professionals here shape global food systems.
Job seekers, browse higher ed faculty jobs and professor jobs in Plant and Soil Science. Students can rate mentors on Rate My Professor to find inspiring faculty. Explore salary data via Professor Salaries and career guidance at Higher Ed Career Advice. With rising demand for sustainable practices, now is the time to dive into higher ed jobs.
Educational Paths for Plant and Soil Science Students
Students start with a bachelor's in agronomy or plant science, advancing to master's for extension roles and PhDs for tenure-track positions. Key programs emphasize precision agriculture and biotech. Fringe quirk: North Carolina State's program integrates mushroom cultivation research, blending mycology with soil health for urban farming solutions.
Rate professors in soil fertility courses on Rate My Professor. Parents and students, check university rankings for top fits like UC Davis or Purdue.
Faculty Job Opportunities in Plant and Soil Science
Tenure-Track and Research Roles
Universities seek experts in plant pathology and soil conservation. In 2023, over 200 US postings targeted extension specialists amid farm bill funding. High demand in Midwest hubs like Iowa for corn-soy expertise and California for vineyard sustainability.
Adjunct and lecturer jobs abound via adjunct professor jobs. Evaluate departments with Rate My Professor reviews on plant breeding faculty.
Postdoc and Research Assistant Positions
Entry via postdoc jobs or research assistant jobs, focusing on CRISPR-edited crops.
Salary Expectations for Plant and Soil Science Professors
Assistant professors earn $90,000-$110,000 annually, per 2023 data, rising to $140,000+ for full professors. Midwest locales offer premiums; California roles hit $150,000 due to ag tech. Detailed breakdowns at Professor Salaries.
| Role | Median Salary (USD) | Top Location Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $98,500 | Texas |
| Associate Professor | $115,000 | California |
| Full Professor | $142,000 | Iowa |
Prestige boosts via grants; rate peers on Rate My Professor.
Trends and Unique Research in Plant and Soil Science
Regenerative ag and soil sensors dominate 2024 trends. Fringe case: Kansas State's buffalo grass breeding for low-water lawns, aiding drought-prone Kansas. Vertical hydroponics research at Cornell pushes urban food production limits.
Find Plant and Soil Science Jobs NowAssociations for Plant and Soil Science
International Union of Soil Sciences
A global organization dedicated to promoting soil science and its applications worldwide through research, education, and international cooperation.
American Society of Agronomy
A professional society that advances the field of agronomy, including plant and soil sciences, through research, education, and professional development in the United States.
Soil Science Society of America
An organization focused on fostering the transfer of knowledge and expertise in soil science to improve soil management and sustainability.
British Society of Soil Science
A society that promotes the study and understanding of soil science in the UK, supporting research, education, and professional practice.
European Society for Agronomy
An association that facilitates collaboration among European agronomists to advance research and innovation in crop and soil systems.
Australian Society of Soil Science
A professional body that supports soil scientists in Australia through advocacy, education, and the dissemination of soil research.
Canadian Society of Soil Science
An organization dedicated to advancing soil science in Canada by promoting research, education, and sustainable soil management practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🌱What degrees lead to Plant and Soil Science faculty jobs? 🌱
A PhD in agronomy, soil science, or plant pathology is essential, often with postdoctoral research. Students start with BS/MS programs; see career advice for paths.
💰What are average salaries in Plant and Soil Science academia? 💰
Assistant professors average $98,500; full professors $142,000. Varies by state like California. Full data at Professor Salaries.
📈What emerging trends shape Plant and Soil Science jobs? 📈
Precision farming, CRISPR crops, and soil microbiome studies lead. Fringe: perennial wheat research at Land Institute for sustainable yields.
🏫Top universities for Plant and Soil Science? 🏫
UC Davis, Purdue, and Cornell excel. Rate faculty via Rate My Professor and check rankings.
🧪Unique quirks in Plant and Soil Science research? 🧪
Halloween-sized pumpkin breeding at UC Riverside or earthworm engineering for soil aeration in Vermont trials highlight fringe innovations.
🔍How to find Plant and Soil Science professor jobs? 🔍
🎓Career paths for Plant and Soil Science students? 🎓
From extension agents to researchers; PhD opens tenure tracks. Explore scholarships for funding.
25 Jobs Found
.png&w=128&q=75)
.png&w=128&q=75)
