Postdoctoral Research Position – Soil Science or Agronomy – Iowa State University, USA
Quick Overview
The McDaniel Lab at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join their team at the intersection of agronomy, environmental science, and soil science. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research on soil-plant interactions, collecting and analyzing field samples, and publishing findings in top-tier journals.
Experience Level: PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field
Best Fit: Candidates with data analysis skills and a publication record
Deadline: August 5, 2026
Key Details
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Lab | McDaniel Lab |
| University | Iowa State University |
| Location | Ames, Iowa, USA |
| Qualification | PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field |
| Start Date | August 31, 2026 |
| Deadline | August 5, 2026 |
| Job Requisition | R19651 |
What Makes This Research Interesting?
The McDaniel Lab focuses on understanding the “give-and-take” relationship between soil and plants, with the goal of making farms more regenerative and sustainable. This postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in soil-plant interactions, develop new skills, and contribute to advancing sustainable agriculture.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect soil and plant samples from the field
- Analyze soil and plant samples in the laboratory
- Collect data from the literature
- Analyze and visualize data using advanced statistical approaches
- Present data at professional meetings
- Publish research findings in top-tier journals
Required Qualifications
Minimum:
- PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field by the start date
- Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization using R, Python, or comparable analytical software
- Evidence of effective scientific communication through authorship or co-authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication
Preferred:
- Scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning new research approaches
- Experience analyzing and interpreting spatial datasets using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS)
- Experience conducting meta-analyses or applying meta-analytical statistical techniques
- Experience mentoring, supervising, or training undergraduate students
- Experience presenting research findings at professional or scientific conferences
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Duration | 12-month work period |
| Location | Ames, Iowa |
| Health | Medical and dental coverage |
| Retirement | Defined benefit and defined contribution plans |
| Leave | Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time |
| Childcare | Onsite childcare available |
| Insurance | Life and long-term disability |
| WorkFlex | Flexible work options |
Application Tips
- Highlight publication record – Required qualification.
- Show data analysis skills – R, Python, or comparable software.
- Demonstrate GIS or meta-analysis experience – Preferred qualifications.
- Include recent publications – 1-3 most recent in PDF.
- Apply before the deadline – August 5, 2026.
How to Apply
Apply through the Iowa State University application portal.
Required documents:
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Application/Cover Letter
- PDF copies of one to three of your most recent publications
Proposed Start Date: August 31, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the required qualification? PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
- What data analysis skills are required? R, Python, or comparable analytical software.
- Is GIS experience required? Preferred, not required.
- What is the start date? August 31, 2026.
- What is the deadline? August 5, 2026.
