Iowa State

Postdoc Research Associate - Agroecosystems

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate - Agroecosystems

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the Agroecosystems Modeling Team to collect, simulate, and analyze agroecological data for peer-reviewed publication. Prospective applicants should demonstrate a strong history of publications and interdisciplinary collaboration, have a demonstrated knowledge of Midwestern agroecosystems, and have direct experience collecting, managing, and analyzing field data using R, Python, or similar tools, as well as experience with simulation model calibration, validation, and prediction. While efforts will be collaborative, the person in the role is expected to work independently and publish results through scientific journals, scicomm media, and funding agency reports.

Duties:

  • Collect and analyze existing and field data on plant and soil variables at different scales

  • Provide support for field and lab data collection on ecosystem processes and functions associated with agricultural management in corn-soybean cropping systems

  • Simulate agroecosystem management practices using APSIM

  • Lecturing, grading, and supervising students

  • Perform Quality Matters certification

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in agronomy, crop production and physiology, environmental science, soil science, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of Midwestern agroecosystems and direct experience collecting, managing, and analyzing field data

Experience using R, Python, or similar tools, and simulation model calibration, validation, and prediction

Demonstrated experience using agroecosystem simulation models, specifically APSIM and/or COMET-Farm

Experience with data management best practices

Experience drafting and submitting manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.agron.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:

January 1, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

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.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Postdocs 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)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date:

December 5, 2025

Posting Close Date:

December 12, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18244