Postdoctoral Research Associate - Vegetable Systems Trial

Rodale Institute • Kutztown, PA

1d • $50,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Rodale Institute Vegetable Systems Trial is a unique, long-term research initiative focused on the connection between soil health and human health. This project involves a multidisciplinary team measuring nutrient concentrations in vegetable crops alongside soil health indicators to understand the links between soil health, soil microbiology, plant health, and human health. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will play a key role in coordinating field trials, collecting and processing samples, analyzing data, preparing peer-reviewed articles, and presenting research findings. This position offers the opportunity to work with both existing long-term data and new projects involving in-depth nutrient and soil testing as the Vegetable Systems Trial enters a new phase. The role requires strong data analysis expertise and a willingness to conduct field-based research. The ideal candidate will be a team player with a strong background in data analysis and a willingness to work in the field. This is a 2-year position, dependent on performance and funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Crop Science, Food Science, Health Science or related discipline
• Some familiarity with soil, vegetables, and horticultural cropping systems or food systems and food is medicine science
• Strong background in conducting field research, statistical analysis, data analysis, and data management
• Strong organizational skills
• Track record of publishing in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both scientific and grower audiences
• Demonstrates a high level of self-motivation and accountability in completing task
• Ability to work, collaborate, and communicate effectively in a team environment with individuals from varied experiences and backgrounds
• Ability to safely lift and handle items weighing 50 lbs or more
• Must be able to obtain a valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of attention to detail
• Ability to develop and maintain high quality records and other documentation
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple activities
• Grant writing experience

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating field trials, data collection, processing samples, analyzing data, preparing peer-reviewed journal articles, and presenting research findings at regional and national conferences.
• Primary functions include field data collection and analysis of multi-year data for manuscript preparation.
• Utilize existing long-term data and engage with new projects.
• Data collection, compilation, and analysis in the Vegetable Systems Trial.
• Participate in all phases of field and lab research activities, such as plot establishment and maintenance, and data collection from research sites.
• Contribute to research projects related to the relationship between soil health, vegetable crop production, and human health.
• Write research reports, peer-reviewed publications, and work with Rodale Institute’s Research and Communication departments to create outreach and education publications, including bulletins, fact sheets, and web articles.
• Assist or lead grant proposal concept development and submissions.
• Present research findings in webinars and national conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree