Post-doctoral Position at the US Salinity Laboratory – Mitigating Antibiotic Resistance Risk in Agriculture
We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to support a National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded research project at the USDA-ARS Salinity Laboratory and University of California, Riverside. The funded project objectives are focused on reducing the dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants (ARDs), e.g., antibiotic compounds, antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, in treated wastewater-irrigated agricultural systems through use of biochar-based adsorbents to immobilize ARDs in water and soil. The position is hired through the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at University of California, Riverside, with the post-doc being situated at the USDA-ARS Salinity Laboratory in Riverside, CA. As this position will require access to a federal facility, the selected candidate will be required to pass a federal background check.
The candidate will be expected to design complimentary laboratory and small field or greenhouse scale experiments addressing the fate, transport and uptake of ARDs in soil, plant and/or water systems. Integrating biochar as an intervention strategy for immobilizing ARDs in these systems will be a point of emphasis in the research. A Ph.D in soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering or similar field and a demonstrated ability to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals are required at the time of appointment. Desired experience includes previous work with laboratory and greenhouse or field studies, chemical analyses with LC-MS/MS, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a background in soil science, microbiology, and/or chemistry research.
About UCR, USDA-ARS, and Riverside:
UCR is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. Its mission is explicitly linked to providing routes to educational success for underrepresented and first-generation college students. A commitment to this mission is a preferred qualification.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The US Salinity Lab (USDA-ARS) is located on the UCR campus. It has several scientists with expertise in various areas, including microbiology, environmental chemistry, contaminant fate and transport, plant physiology and biochemistry, molecular genetics, and modeling. It holds adequate lab space, analytical and microbiology instruments, as well as greenhouses and outdoor lysimeter tanks for plant studies.
Riverside (The City of Arts and Culture) is located in southern California, between Los Angeles and San Diego and close to Irvine and Temecula, but with a living cost more affordable than Los Angeles or San Diego. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm/hot weather in the summer and pleasant weather in the winter, always with a lot of sunshine. Riverside is located about 1.5 hours from beaches and mountain communities. Outdoor activities for leisure time are plentiful, as is good food. Riverside has lots of diversity.
To apply or request more information, please contact:
Dr. Michael Schmidt
Research Soil Scientist USDA-ARS
USDA-ARS Salinity Laboratory, Riverside, CA
mike.schmidt@usda.gov
Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and names/contact details of three academic references. Applications received by November 13, 2026 will be prioritized.