Job Description
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Breeding and Genomic Prediction
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
of Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research focused on cover crop improvement, agronomic performance, and plant responses to environmental stress. The successful candidate will conduct advanced data analyses, design and manage controlled-environment experiments, and support the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze agronomic datasets from cover crop experiments using advanced statistical and quantitative genetic approaches.
- Apply genomic prediction methods to evaluate and improve cover crop performance.
- Design, implement, and manage climate chamber experiments under shade and other environmental stress conditions.
- Collect, process, and analyze seedling phenotypic data, including morphological, physiological, and stomatal traits.
- Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute to grant-funded research objectives.
- Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in Plant Breeding
- Experience in design and analysis of field experiments.
- Experience with analysis of genome-wide marker analyses.
Preferred Qualifications:
Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Agronomy in Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a nationally recognized leader in crop production, plant breeding, genetics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. The department conducts innovative research that addresses global challenges in food security, environmental stewardship, and agricultural resilience while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and translating discoveries into practical solutions for producers and society
Department Unit/Website:
Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Proposed Start Date:
September 24, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
August 19, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 25, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19794
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
