Postdoctoral Researcher - Pacific Northwest Organic Center
Rodale Institute, Rockport, WA, United States
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead and support field-based research trials at Rodale Institute’s Pacific Northwest Organic Center in Rockport, WA. This position focuses on both perennial and annual cropping systems and includes responsibilities spanning experimental design, field implementation, data collection, and day-to-day plot maintenance.
This is a highly applied position that combines scientific research with hands-on field implementation. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible not only for experimental design and data analysis, but also for the day-to-day management and maintenance of research plots, ensuring successful execution of trials under real farm conditions.
This is a 12-month position contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability, with an ideal start date of August 2026.
To apply, please submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing your research interests and experience, and contact information for three references.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Research and Field Trials (75%)
Design, implement, and manage field experiments in perennial (e.g., small fruits, agroforestry systems) and annual cropping systems
Lead data collection efforts, including soil health metrics, plant growth, yield, pest and disease monitoring, and environmental data
Evaluate and integrate weed management, pest pressure (entomology), and disease dynamics (plant pathology) within organic and regenerative production systems
Ensure data integrity, quality control, and proper documentation of all research activities and protocols
Maintain research plots, including irrigation, planting, weeding, and coordination of day-to-day field operations
Coordinate with farm staff and seasonal workers to ensure timely and accurate execution of field activities
Contribute to the development of practical, scalable solutions for organic and regenerative systems in the Pacific Northwest, including weed, pest, and disease management strategies
Data Analysis, Publications, and Reporting (15%)
Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and grant deliverables
Assist in preparing research summaries and documentation for internal and external reporting
Conduct and support the development of grant proposals and project reports as needed
Education, Outreach, and Collaboration (10%)
Support outreach activities, including field days, workshops, and presentations to farmers and stakeholders
Collaborate with growers, conservation districts, and research partners to implement on-farm trials and demonstrations
Contribute to extension materials such as technical bulletins, fact sheets, and grower-oriented publications
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agroecology, Soil Science, or a related fiel
Demonstrated experience in field-based agricultural research
Strong knowledge of organic and/or regenerative farming systems
Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environmen
Willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork in various weather condition
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
Experience working with perennial cropping systems (e.g., fruit crops, agroforestry)
Familiarity with soil health assessments and biological indicators (e.g., soil carbon, microbial activity)
Experience with irrigation management and environmental monitoring systems
Record of peer-reviewed publications
Experience engaging with farmers or extension/outreach activities
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a 12-month position contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability
This is a full-time, benefits eligible position
$28.85 per hour
Rodale Institute offers 100% paid medical premium for full-time employees and their dependents; sharing premium cost for dental & vision plans; a 403(b)-retirement savings plan; life insurance and AD&D coverage; and 100% paid short and long-term disability coverage.
Rodale Institute has a competitive time off program, plus 5 floating holidays for full-time employees, and 12 company paid holidays
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.
This is a highly applied position that combines scientific research with hands-on field implementation. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible not only for experimental design and data analysis, but also for the day-to-day management and maintenance of research plots, ensuring successful execution of trials under real farm conditions.
This is a 12-month position contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability, with an ideal start date of August 2026.
To apply, please submit a CV, a brief cover letter describing your research interests and experience, and contact information for three references.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Research and Field Trials (75%)
Design, implement, and manage field experiments in perennial (e.g., small fruits, agroforestry systems) and annual cropping systems
Lead data collection efforts, including soil health metrics, plant growth, yield, pest and disease monitoring, and environmental data
Evaluate and integrate weed management, pest pressure (entomology), and disease dynamics (plant pathology) within organic and regenerative production systems
Ensure data integrity, quality control, and proper documentation of all research activities and protocols
Maintain research plots, including irrigation, planting, weeding, and coordination of day-to-day field operations
Coordinate with farm staff and seasonal workers to ensure timely and accurate execution of field activities
Contribute to the development of practical, scalable solutions for organic and regenerative systems in the Pacific Northwest, including weed, pest, and disease management strategies
Data Analysis, Publications, and Reporting (15%)
Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and grant deliverables
Assist in preparing research summaries and documentation for internal and external reporting
Conduct and support the development of grant proposals and project reports as needed
Education, Outreach, and Collaboration (10%)
Support outreach activities, including field days, workshops, and presentations to farmers and stakeholders
Collaborate with growers, conservation districts, and research partners to implement on-farm trials and demonstrations
Contribute to extension materials such as technical bulletins, fact sheets, and grower-oriented publications
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Ph.D. in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agroecology, Soil Science, or a related fiel
Demonstrated experience in field-based agricultural research
Strong knowledge of organic and/or regenerative farming systems
Experience with experimental design and statistical analysis
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environmen
Willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork in various weather condition
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
Experience working with perennial cropping systems (e.g., fruit crops, agroforestry)
Familiarity with soil health assessments and biological indicators (e.g., soil carbon, microbial activity)
Experience with irrigation management and environmental monitoring systems
Record of peer-reviewed publications
Experience engaging with farmers or extension/outreach activities
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a 12-month position contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability
This is a full-time, benefits eligible position
$28.85 per hour
Rodale Institute offers 100% paid medical premium for full-time employees and their dependents; sharing premium cost for dental & vision plans; a 403(b)-retirement savings plan; life insurance and AD&D coverage; and 100% paid short and long-term disability coverage.
Rodale Institute has a competitive time off program, plus 5 floating holidays for full-time employees, and 12 company paid holidays
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.