Post Doctoral Researcher in Controlled Environment Agriculture

Job Details

University of Delaware
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 503097
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Research & Laboratory, Full Time

Pay Grade: 90E

Context of Job:

The Delaware Indoor Ag Lab (DIAL) in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team focused on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing USDA-funded research aimed at optimizing hydroponic production systems, environmental control strategies, and resource use efficiency to enhance crop performance and sustainability in controlled-environment systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments in controlled environments to study plant growth, physiology, and resource use efficiency using soilless production systems.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize data, interpret results, and contribute to writing publications and grant reports.
• Provide lab management support, including organization, inventory, and maintenance.
• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students in their research and training.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field by the start date.
• Research experience with hydroponics, lighting, environmental control, biostimulants, plant nutrition, and/or environmental plant physiology. Demonstrated research productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications) is preferred.
• Familiarity with experimental design, hydroponic systems, environmental sensors, statistical analysis software, data visualization software, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis, data visualization, interpersonal communication, independent project management, time management, and scientific writing.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds and work on occasional weekends and holidays as required by experimental needs.

This is a one-year, limited-term appointment. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire.