Postdoctoral Research Associate – Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics

Job Description

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Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on improving the productivity and environmental performance of cropping systems in the U.S. Midwest.

The successful candidate will analyze existing experimental and on-farm datasets on corn and soybean production systems, integrate drone and remote-sensing imagery, and conduct APSIM simulations to address research questions related to crop physiology, plant breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote sensing, data analytics, and agricultural systems modeling.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems.
• Process and interpret drone-based and remote sensing imagery.
• Conduct APSIM simulation modeling and related analyses.
• Investigate Genotype × Management × Environment (G × M × E) interactions across production environments.
• Develop predictive models and decision-support insights for agricultural systems.
• Evaluate crop responses to management practices, nitrogen fertilizer strategies, and environmental conditions.
• Synthesize experimental and modeling outcomes into peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.
• Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, research staff, and external partners.
• Contribute to grant-funded research activities and reporting requirements.

The research program seeks to improve both crop productivity and environmental outcomes by identifying management practices that increase system efficiency. Research focuses on increasing crop yields while reducing inputs and environmental losses, particularly water and nitrogen losses.

A central component of the program is understanding complex interactions among genetics, management, and environmental conditions and modeling key processes within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. The laboratory utilizes a combination of field experimentation at multiple scales and process-based simulation modeling to advance sustainable agricultural systems.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in agronomy or related science.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience authoring and contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret agronomic datasets, including crop, soil, weather, and management data.
• Experience with process-based crop simulation modeling, particularly the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM).
• Experience with remote sensing applications, including drone imagery acquisition, processing, and analysis.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Agronomy is focused on new and improved approaches to agriculture. New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. New approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. The end goal is to produce food, fuel, and fiber in a more efficient and economical way for the benefit of people and the environment around the world.

We are applying science to advance crop production systems while protecting and improving air, soil, and water quality.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Agronomy | Iowa State University

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 , or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

September 1, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Post Docs

Original Posting Date:

July 16, 2026

Posting Close Date:

July 30, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19506

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 .

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.