Turfgrass Research Scientist

The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a Turfgrass Research Scientist to help advance nationally recognized turfgrass program focused on athletic field safety golf course management sports turf performance turfgrass adaptation and sustainable management practices.

This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research laboratory work equipment operation data analysis and scientific collaboration. Working alongside faculty students and industry partners youll conduct research that improves the safety performance and management of athletic fields golf courses parks and other managed turf systems.

Whether your goal is to become a leader in the turfgrass industry or pursue graduate education this position provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise gain hands-on research experience and explore innovative ideas in a collaborative environment where learning through experimentation is encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute applied turfgrass field research by preparing research sites implementing experimental protocols scheduling field activities and overseeing student employees.

• Establish maintain and evaluate turfgrass research plots through mowing irrigation management fertilizer and pesticide applications and cultivation practices.

• Collect document and manage research data including plant and soil samples turfgrass quality and color ratings weed assessments soil moisture measurements and surface hardness and stability testing.

• Assist in developing and refining research methods and protocols maintain research databases perform data quality control and conduct statistical analyses.

• Collaborate with faculty staff students and external partners to support research projects scientific publications grant proposals field demonstrations and extension and outreach activities.

• Present research findings at field days scientific conferences and industry meetings prepare educational displays and demonstration plots and provide tours of research facilities for visitors and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Horticulture Turfgrass Management Agronomy Plant Science or a related field.

• Experience establishing maintaining and managing turfgrass research plots or production systems including irrigation management.

• Experience operating calibrating troubleshooting and maintaining turfgrass or agricultural equipment.

• Experience collecting managing and analyzing research data.

• Experience applying fertilizers herbicides fungicides or other crop protection products in accordance with research protocols and applicable regulations.

• Experience presenting research findings contributing to scientific publications or supporting extension and outreach activities.

Why Join Iowa State University

This position has served as a launching point for many early-career turfgrass professionals. Former Research Scientists have gone on to earn masters and doctoral degrees or build successful careers in the turfgrass industry. Youll have opportunities to lead applied research projects present your work contribute to publications and develop the technical expertise needed for the next stage of your career.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

The selected candidate will be hired as a Research Scientist I.

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

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

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. 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.