Post-doctoral Researcher

Tennessee State University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee State University in Nashville seeks a Post-doctoral Researcher to lead field-based research on sustainable production practices for woody ornamental crops. You will develop micro-irrigation strategies, optimize nutrients, and refine weed management, collaborating with our College of Agriculture and partner universities.

The role is grant-funded for 2 years, with responsibilities spanning data collection, manuscript preparation, and extension activities while working at the TSU Nursery

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, weed science, or related field.
• Experience with field-based research in perennial woody crops or agronomic crops.
• Experience with soil/plant/environment monitoring tools (data loggers, sensors, software).
• Strong written and analytical skills with peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based research on irrigation, fertilizers, soil amendments, and plant responses.
• Design, implement, and manage experiments evaluating growth, stress, soil moisture, and weed control.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data using statistical methods.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, extension publications, and technical reports.
• Present findings at conferences and extension meetings.
• Assist in supervising graduate students and interns.

Skills

Field-based research

Scientific writing

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D. in horticulture or related field

Tools

Data loggers

Sensors

Statistical software

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title Post-doctoral Researcher

Division College of Agriculture

Department Agricultural Science

Number of hours per week 37.5

Days to be worked Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Months per year Fiscal (12 months)

Job Type Full-Time

Campus Other

If other location, please indicate TSU Nursery Research Center

Position Number 121235

Advertised Salary 60,000

Pay Basis Monthly

Position Summary

A post-doctoral researcher position is available for a project focused on sustainable production practices in field-grown nursery crops. The role includes development of innovative micro-irrigation strategies, optimizing nutrient inputs, and integrated weed management practices for woody ornamental crop production. The successful candidate will be involved in field-based research in Tennessee nurseries, collaborate with faculty at Tennessee State University and partner universities, and participate in extension activities. The position is grant-funded for a 2-year period.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based research focused on plant responses to irrigation, fertilizers, and soil amendments
• Design, implementation, and management of experiments to evaluate plant growth, plant stress, soil moisture, soil nutrient status, and weed control efficacy
• Data collection, organization, and analysis using appropriate statistical methods
• Preparation of manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed scientific journals, extension publications, and technical reports
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and extension meetings
• Assist with supervision of graduate students, interns and hourly employees in the program
• Assist with grant managementBe able to operate a vehicle to collect samples from field studies
• Be able to operate farm equipment (tractors, planters, bush hog mowers, etc.) or willing to learn. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture, agronomy, weed science, or related field
• Experience conducting field-based research in perennial woody crops (nursery or orchard) or agronomic crops
• Experience working with soil/plant/environmental monitoring tools (data loggers, sensors, associated software, etc.)
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and scientific writing skills including previously published articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Tennessee Pesticide Applicator license
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel to research sites in Tennessee

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.

Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.

An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.

You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Open Date

08/27/2026

Close Date

10/01/2026

Job Category

Administrative/Professional

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Quick Link

https://jobs.tnstate.edu/postings/11032

Reference Letter

References

Minimum References Required

2