Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics

Ames, IA

Full time

R19890

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research integrating (epi)genomics and molecular biology to study the genetic control of crop traits. The successful candidate will conduct, design, plan, and execute wet-lab experiments, conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments that pair genetic alteration of cis-regulatory elements and genes with genomic and molecular techniques to study the genetics underlying crop shoot traits.

• Analyze next-generation sequencing bulk and single-cell data in a high-performance computing environment.

• Assist in the mentorship and supervision of more junior lab members.

• Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

• Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, or equivalent.

• Experience working in plant model systems

• A demonstrated track record of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed manuscript.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with single-cell ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and/or other emerging next-generation sequencing technologies.

• Experience preparing droplet-based single-cell and/or bulk sequencing libraries.

• Experience growing, phenotyping, and crossing maize and/or other crop species, including the design, development, and characterization of transgenic plants.

• Strong record of scholarly achievement, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

• Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, and/or supervisory experience in a research or academic environment.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is a globally recognized leader in research, teaching, and extension focused on crop production, plant breeding, genetics, genomics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. Department faculty, staff, and students work to develop innovative solutions that improve crop productivity, enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen soil health, and support global food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy production. Through interdisciplinary research and engagement with agricultural stakeholders, the department advances scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the field.

Department Unit/Website (if applicable):Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (https://www.cals.iastate.edu/major/agronomy)

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

Publication List (PDF) containing one or more representative peer-reviewed publications with complete citations and corresponding DOI links.

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 [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:January 18, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:Post Docs

Original Posting Date: September 9, 2026

Posting Close Date:September 19, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R19890

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 [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

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 [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.