U.S. Department of Agriculture
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USDA-ARS Research Fellowship in Conservation and Water-Efficient Cropping Systems U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Stipend of $75,055.00 – $92,958.00 yearly; appointment initially for one year and may be renewed contingent on funds.
Deadline
Nov 6, 2026
Country
United States
University
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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About this position
This research fellowship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is based in Parlier, California, and focuses on conservation and water-efficient cropping systems for the San Joaquin Valley. The project addresses pressing agricultural challenges created by water scarcity, groundwater restrictions, and long-term declines in surface water supplies.
The fellow will contribute to research on irrigation technology and irrigation strategy, conservation and regenerative practices, low-water-requirement crops, and integrated perennial–annual cropping systems. A further area of interest is the evaluation of salt-tolerant crops that can make use of lower-quality groundwater. The overall aim is to improve soil ecosystem functions, including soil health, water retention, water-use efficiency, productivity, and crop yield, while supporting more resilient agricultural systems in water-limited environments.
Under the guidance and mentorship of several scientists, the participant will gain hands-on experience in field and laboratory methods for studying soil-plant-water interactions, crop needs, and conservation processes. Typical activities include collecting soil, plant, and water samples, monitoring soil moisture with advanced sensors, organizing and processing research data, and contributing to modeling work on water and nutrient dynamics.
The opportunity is hosted by the USDA-ARS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s in-house research agency, in a research environment centered on applied agricultural science and sustainable production.
Funding details
Stipend of $75,055.00 – $92,958.00 yearly; appointment initially for one year and may be renewed contingent on funds.
What's required
The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree. Preferred background includes soil science, agronomy, environmental science, plant science, agricultural engineering, hydrology, or a related field. Helpful experience includes soil–plant–water interactions, water management, conservation agriculture, regenerative practices, or cropping systems; field or laboratory sampling of soil, plant, or water; use of environmental sensors or soil moisture monitoring tools; data organization, management, and analysis with R, Python, or similar tools; modeling water or nutrient dynamics; and study of low-water-requirement or salt-tolerant crops. Strong communication skills, comfort in interdisciplinary settings, and interest in applied research in water-limited environments are also preferred. U.S. citizenship is required.
How to apply
Scroll to the bottom of the opportunity and click APPLY. Submit an application, transcript(s), a current resume/CV, two educational or professional recommendations, and a copy of an abstract or reprint of an article. Ensure all documents are in English or include an official English translation.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.