Position Title:Research Scientist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
The Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist II to support innovative soil fertility and nutrient management research for the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative. This position serves as the lead laboratory scientist for soil nitrogen analysis, overseeing related laboratory operations, maintaining specialized analytical instrumentation, ensuring data quality, and contributing to research that advances sustainable agricultural systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and research partners while playing a key role in generating high-quality scientific data and supporting research publications and presentations.
What You'll Do
Lead laboratory operations for receiving, processing, analyzing, and managing soil samples for nitrogen research.
Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including Astoria Pacific and LECO Elemental Analyzer systems.
Prepare samples, reagents, and standards while ensuring accurate analytical results and high-quality data.
Develop and improve laboratory protocols, analytical methods, and quality control procedures.
Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using statistical software (R) and prepare reports to support research projects.
Collaborate with faculty and research teams to interpret results, identify future research opportunities, and present findings at scientific conferences.
Train, supervise, and mentor students and laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and documentation.
Maintain laboratory safety standards, oversee equipment service and maintenance, and perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Studies, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
Experience conducting research related to nitrogen management, nutrient use efficiency, or soil fertility in agricultural production systems.
Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, or calibrating automated laboratory analyzers (e.g., Astoria Pacific, LECO Elemental Analyzer, or similar instrumentation) used for soil nitrogen analysis.
Experience using statistical software (such as R, SAS, or similar) to manage, analyze, and summarize research data.
Experience training, mentoring, or supervising students, interns, or laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, scientific equipment, or research protocols.
Experience working in a laboratory environment with established quality control procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and laboratory safety practices.
About Us
The Iowa Nitrogen Initiative (INI) is a nationally recognized research program dedicated to advancing nitrogen management for corn production. Through a unique public-private partnership, the initiative collaborates with Iowa farmers, agricultural service providers, and researchers to conduct hundreds of on-farm nitrogen rate trials each year. By combining field-scale research with advanced data analytics and modeling, the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative is developing more precise, science-based nitrogen recommendations that improve crop productivity, increase farm profitability, and enhance environmental stewardship.
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.
This is a two-year term position with opportunity for renewal.
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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:July 26, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS808
Original Posting Date: June 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:July 5, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R19524
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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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu 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 employment@iastate.edu 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.
