Job Description

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.