Research Soil Scientist

ISHE; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Soil Health Institute in the United States seeks a Research Soil Scientist to advance soil health in potato cropping systems. The role emphasizes building science-based outreach, data-driven analyses, and collaboration with farmers, external practitioners, and SHI teams.

Remote work is acceptable with periodic travel; start date October 15, 2026. A Ph.D. in soil or related field is preferred, with experience in data analysis, sampling planning, and publishing findings.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in soil science, environmental science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience identifying soil sampling locations at farm field and regional spatial extents.
• Experience with empirical modeling and soil data analysis at 1 to 100 km scales.
• Knowledge of how agronomic management decisions influence soil functioning and cropping systems across multiple regions.
• Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct meta-analysis of soil health and potato pathogen/microbiome research to quantify relationships among soil health indicators, management practices, and pathogen/microbiome outcomes.
• Review and synthesize soil health studies in potato cropping systems.
• Enthusiastic about building a farmer- and farmer-advisor-facing soil health assessment and reporting infrastructure.
• Deploy and modify existing empirical models (multivariate and Bayesian) with regional measurements for regionally appropriate interpretations.
• Collaborate with SHI scientists to develop soil health interpretations at multiple spatial scales for various stakeholders.
• Self-directed work style with the ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects.
• Experience integrating diverse datasets (agronomic, soil, management records).
• Collaborate with farmers to identify field locations and gather essential management data.
• Organize and coordinate sampling activities with farmers to facilitate data collection.
• Publish work in peer-reviewed journals to advance knowledge in soil health.

Skills

Data analysis

R

Python

Fieldwork

Scientific writing

Communication

Collaboration

Self-motivation

Driver's license

Remote work

Education

Ph.D. in soil science or related field

Tools

R

Python

Bayesian modeling

Job description

The Soil Health Institute (SHI), is a non-profit organization created to safeguard and enhance the vitality and productivity of soil through scientific research and advancement. The Institute brings together leaders in soil health science and the industry to conduct research and empower farmers and landowners with the knowledge to successfully adopt regenerative soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. SHI has a dynamic team of scientists and educators working together to assess and promote soil health practices on U.S. farms, and we seek a Research Soil Scientist to support this mission for potato cropping systems.

The selected individual will be supervised by Mara Cloutier, PhD, Research Soil Scientist and Program Director. This position will work with SHI as a full-time employee for a minimum of 12 months, with possible extension of employment based on satisfactory performance and project needs. We seek a self-motivated individual interested in building science-based and data driven outreach materials and working with both external practitioners and the SHI science and outreach teams. Remote work is acceptable, with periodic travel as needed. Position start date of October 15, 2026 is expected.

Qualifications

We value diverse perspectives and recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, and lived experience. Candidates who meet at least some of the criteria below are encouraged to apply.

Education: Ph.D. in soil science, environmental science, or a related field.

Experience: Demonstrated experience identifying soil sampling locations at farm field and regional spatial extents; Experience with empirical modeling and soil data analysis at 1 to 100 km scales; and knowledge of how agronomic management decisions influence soil functioning and cropping systems across multiple regions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Conducted literature reviews and meta-analyses on environmental and agronomic benefits of soil health practices
• Strong proficiency in data processing and analysis using a modern data stack (R, Python, etc.)
• Exhibited excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of facilitating cross-project collaboration and decision-making
• Conducted on-farm fieldwork to understand production systems, collect data, and deliver synthesized results back to farmers
• Organized and coordinated sampling activities in partnership with farmers to ensure efficient data collection
• Prepared technical reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications to communicate research findings into scientific, industry, and policy audiences
• Presented research results at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and stakeholder workshops
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to thrive in a remote working environment
• Must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States and hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

Work Environment

This is a remote position. Occasional travel (up to 10%) is required.

Upload the following was removed as part of refinement.

Positions will remain open until filled; however, the first review of applications will begin August 28, 2026, so all interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by that date.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a meta-analysis of soil health and potato pathogen/microbiome research to quantify relationships among soil health indicators, management practices, and pathogen/microbiome outcomes
• Review and synthesize soil health studies in potato cropping systems
• Enthusiastic about building a farmer and farmer-advisor facing soil health assessment and reporting infrastructure that enables successful adoption of soil health practices
• Deploy and modify existing empirical models (currently multivariate and Bayesian) build with regional and continental measurements made on commercial farms and ranches to provide users with regionally appropriate interpretations of their soil health data
• Collaborate with other SHI scientists to develop soil health interpretations at multiple spatial scales (field, supply shed, and regional) for many stakeholders (e.g. growers, advisors, aggregators, brands)
• Self-directed work style with ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects
• Experience integrating diverse datasets (agronomic, soil, management records)
• Collaborate with farmers to identify field locations and gather essential management data
• Organize and coordinate sampling activities in partnership with farmers to facilitate efficient data collection
• Publish work in solving knowledge gaps in scientific peer review journals