Post doctoral Research Associate (Breeding and Phenomics)

Position Title:

Post doctoral Research Associate (Breeding and Phenomics)

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

The Post-doctoral research associate (Breeding and Phenomics) will obtain training in a multi-disciplinary project to develop skills to develop an independent career as a researcher and future faculty.
The post-doctoral research associate will contribute to crop breeding and research efforts by participating in activities and conducting experiments related to plant genetics, pathology, entomology, physiology, genomics, statistics, and Artificial Intelligence. Work will involve field and lab research and breeding experiments related to breeding, phenomics, genomics, and AI. This position will provide advanced technical and scientific support for project implementation. Responsibilities will include field-related tasks from planting to harvest, post-harvest seed processing, data analysis, and report and manuscript writing. The successful candidate will have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and will participate in preparing reports, papers, and grant applications. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated researcher with the ability to meet research and work deadlines. We work in a team environment with multiple interdisciplinary projects, and numerous opportunities for professional development are available. The post-doctoral will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Arti Singh to gain experience in professional training and development in breeding and the application of AI in agriculture, and will perform the duties described below.

Summary of duties and responsibilities:

•  Participate in collaborative research across multi-disciplinary projects.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Responsible for data collection of breeding, genetics, physiology, pathology, and entomology experiments.
• Data analysis of experiments and breeding pipeline.
• Assist in developing grant proposals or writing proposals.
• Assist with writing reports to communicate research results and progress to the project stakeholders.
• Assist with the supervision of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
• Assist in cultivar development activities throughout the year.
• May provide support to faculty in teaching courses.
• Minor activities related to lab and resources management.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

 PhD in Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Pathology, Entomology, Crop Science, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in plant breeding, phenomics, and genetics.
• Experience in data analysis and scientific writing, including grants and manuscripts.
• Knowledge of plant pathology, entomology, or AI applications in agriculture.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing the future of agriculture through innovative research, education, and outreach. Our work spans new and improved production systems, conservation methods, soil health, water quality, bioenergy solutions, and advanced genetic traits. By applying science to enhance crop production while protecting and improving air, soil, and water quality, we aim to support sustainable, efficient, and economically viable systems that benefit both people and the environment.

We seek and promote strategies that protect and strengthen the natural resources driving global agricultural productivity. Our faculty and staff partner with individuals and communities in Iowa and around the world to increase agricultural output, improve farm profitability, and advance environmental quality.

Department Unit/Website:

https://www.agron.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:

February 16, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

February 15, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

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.

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