Research associate – science and conservation

Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Agroecosystem Science and Conservation. The role involves collecting and analyzing agroecological data, simulating practices using APSIM, and collaborating with the Bioeconomy Institute. Candidates should have a Ph.D., experience with R or Python, and knowledge of Midwestern agroecosystems. The position is full-time, based in Ames, IA, with occasional travel in the Midwest.
Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate – Agroecosystem Science and Conservation

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Bioeconomy Institute and interdisciplinary research collaborators to collect, simulate, and analyze agroecological data for peer-reviewed publication. Prospective applicants should demonstrate a strong history of publications and interdisciplinary collaboration. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of Midwestern agroecosystems and direct experience collecting, managing and analyzing field using R, Python or similar tools, and simulation model calibration, validation, and prediction.

Duties include:
• collect and analyze existing and new field data on plant composition, soils, and ecosystem processes from crop fields and reconstructed prairies in Iowa and Missouri
• provide field and lab data analysis on ecosystem processes, avoided costs, and functions associated with agricultural management in corn-soybean cropping systems
• simulate agroecosystem practices using APSIM, including the prairie module.

This individual will also support scicomm outreach for active projects. Position may include occasional travel in Iowa, Missouri, and the U.S. Midwest. 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.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Demonstrated knowledge of Midwestern agroecosystems
• Direct experience collecting, managing, and analyzing field using R, Python, or similar tools
• Experience with simulation model calibration, validation, and prediction
• Demonstrated history of publications and interdisciplinary collaboration

Proposed Start Date:

May 16, 2025

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 15, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

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:

May 13, 2025

Posting Close Date:

May 20, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R17021