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Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Weed Science

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research activities in weed science within the Department of Agronomy. The successful candidate will contribute to projects focused on weed biology, herbicide efficacy, application technology, and integrated weed management in agricultural systems. This position offers opportunities for scholarly publication, professional development, mentoring experience, and collaboration with university and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research

Conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory research related to weed biology, ecology, and management, and application technology.

+ Develop, refine, and implement research protocols and experimental designs.

+ Collect, manage, and analyze research data using appropriate statistical tools and software.

+ Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

Project Coordination

+ Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, graduate students, and external collaborators.

+ Maintain detailed records of research activities, project progress, and experimental procedures.

+ Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies related to research, laboratory safety, and chemical handling.

Academic and Professional Engagement

+ Participate in research group meetings, departmental seminars, and ISU professional development activities.

+ Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate or graduate students involved in research projects.

+ Assist with the preparation of research summaries, extension materials, or educational content as needed.

Field, Laboratory, and Greenhouse Operations

+ Assist with establishing and maintaining research plots, including planting, treatment applications, and harvesting.

+ Operate and maintain instruments and equipment used in weed science research.

+ Support routine laboratory operations, including sample processing, data organization, and equipment calibration.

Required Qualifications

+ Ph.D. in Weed Science, Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, or a closely related discipline.

+ Experience conducting research in field, greenhouse, or laboratory settings.

+ Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills.

+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience with herbicide mode of action, weed ecology, application technology, and integrated weed management strategies.

+ Familiarity with research equipment and methodologies commonly used in weed science.

+ Record of scholarly productivity (e.g., publications, presentations).

+ Experience mentoring students or participating in collaborative research projects.

Department/Unit Information

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is nationally recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and extension in crop and soil sciences. The department supports interdisciplinary collaborations across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and provides a supportive environment for postdoctoral scholars pursuing academic and professional growth.

Proposed Start Date:January 15, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:January 15, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Application Instructions:

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.

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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] 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: December 23, 2025

Posting Close Date:December 30, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R18367

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.