Postdoctoral Research Associate – Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics
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Job Summary
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate Crop Systems Modeling and Data AnalyticsAppointment Type:
Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:
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 soilplantatmosphere 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 Departmentof 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 systemswhile 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 or Toll Free: 1-.
Proposed Start Date:
September 1 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:
July 16 2026Posting Close Date:
July 30 2026Job Requisition Number:
R19506Iowa 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. 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.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Attending Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) can be a whirlwind experience for some. ISU is a public land-grant institution offering higher education courses and programs with an emphasis on science, technology, and related areas. It's also home to the Cyclones athl ... View more
