... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The ... Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems. * Process ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The ... Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems. * Process ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The ... Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems. * Process ...
... breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The ... Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems. * Process ...
Full Time Soybean Breeding information
See salary details
$25K - $31.7K
22% of jobs
$34.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$31.7K - $38.5K
7% of jobs
$38.5K - $45.2K
12% of jobs
$45.2K - $51.9K
0% of jobs
$51.9K - $58.6K
0% of jobs
$58.6K - $65.4K
0% of jobs
$65.4K - $72.1K
0% of jobs
$72.1K - $78.8K
0% of jobs
$78.8K - $85.5K
1% of jobs
The median wage is $87.3K / yr.
$85.5K - $92.3K
29% of jobs
$93.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$92.3K - $99K
28% of jobs
$25K
$69.4K
$99K
How much do full time soybean breeding jobs pay per year?
What is the difference between Full Time Soybean Breeding vs Full Time Plant Breeding?
| Aspect | Full Time Soybean Breeding | Full Time Plant Breeding |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related fields; experience in crop-specific breeding | Bachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Genetics, or related fields; experience in crop or plant trait development |
| Work Environment | Research farms, laboratories, field trials focused on soybeans | Research farms, laboratories, field trials for various crops including soybeans, corn, or wheat |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in soybean-focused agricultural companies or research institutions | In diverse agricultural companies, research institutions, or biotech firms working on multiple crops |
Full Time Soybean Breeding specializes in developing soybean varieties, requiring crop-specific expertise. In contrast, Full Time Plant Breeding covers a broader range of crops, including soybeans, with a focus on general plant trait improvement. Both roles involve similar credentials and work environments but differ in crop specialization.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics
Ames, IA • On-site, Remote
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 7 days ago
Iowa State University rating
7.3
Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
305th of 560 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on improving the productivity and environmental performance of cropping systems in the U.S. Midwest.
The successful candidate will analyze existing experimental and on-farm datasets on corn and soybean production systems, integrate drone and remote-sensing imagery, and conduct APSIM simulations to address research questions related to crop physiology, plant breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote sensing, data analytics, and agricultural systems modeling.
Primary Responsibilities- Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems.
- Process and interpret drone-based and remote sensing imagery.
- Conduct APSIM simulation modeling and related analyses.
- Investigate Genotype Management Environment (G M E) interactions across production environments.
- Develop predictive models and decision-support insights for agricultural systems.
- Evaluate crop responses to management practices, nitrogen fertilizer strategies, and environmental conditions.
- Synthesize experimental and modeling outcomes into peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.
- Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, research staff, and external partners.
- Contribute to grant-funded research activities and reporting requirements.
The research program seeks to improve both crop productivity and environmental outcomes by identifying management practices that increase system efficiency. Research focuses on increasing crop yields while reducing inputs and environmental losses, particularly water and nitrogen losses.
A central component of the program is understanding complex interactions among genetics, management, and environmental conditions and modeling key processes within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. The laboratory utilizes a combination of field experimentation at multiple scales and process-based simulation modeling to advance sustainable agricultural systems.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in agronomy or related science.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience authoring and contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret agronomic datasets, including crop, soil, weather, and management data.
- Experience with process-based crop simulation modeling, particularly the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM).
- Experience with remote sensing applications, including drone imagery acquisition, processing, and analysis.
Department/Program & College Description:
The Departmentof Agronomy is focused on new and improved approaches to agriculture. New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. New approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. The end goal is to produce food, fuel, and fiber in a more efficient and economical way for the benefit of people and the environment around the world.
We are applying science to advance crop production systemswhile protecting and improving air, soil, and water quality.
Department Unit/Website:
Department of Agronomy | Iowa State University
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.
Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 16, 2026Posting Close Date:July 30, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19506Iowa 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.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
What Iowa State University employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Iowa State University
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Ames, IA, US
Year founded
1858