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Postdoctoral Crop Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Researcher Position Type:Other Academic Department:LSUAG PL1 - DPPCP - Plant Pathology ... and Crop Physiology (Jonathan Richards (00057607)) Work Location:0302 Life Sciences Building Pay ...

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Postdoctoral Crop Science information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral crop science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral crop science in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical collaborative projects a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist might engage in within a research institution?

As a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, you’ll often collaborate on multidisciplinary projects that may involve genetics, agronomy, soil science, and data analysis. It’s common to work alongside senior researchers, graduate students, and sometimes industry partners to address challenges like crop yield improvement, disease resistance, or sustainable farming practices. These collaborations typically require regular communication, shared data analysis, and co-authorship of publications, helping you develop both technical and teamwork skills. Engaging in such projects not only broadens your expertise but also expands your professional network, which can be valuable for future career advancement.

What are Postdoctoral Crop Scientists?

Postdoctoral Crop Scientists are researchers who have completed their doctoral degrees and are engaged in advanced studies and research related to crop science. They typically work in universities, government agencies, or private industry to improve crop yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and sustainable farming practices. Their work often involves conducting experiments, publishing scientific papers, and collaborating with other scientists or agricultural professionals. Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and serve as a stepping stone to permanent academic or research-focused careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Crop Scientist, you need an advanced degree (Ph.D.) in crop science or a related field, with strong expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and plant biology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (such as R or SAS), and molecular biology techniques is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and scientific communication skills help you stand out in this research-intensive role. These skills and qualifications are essential for conducting high-quality research, publishing impactful findings, and contributing to advancements in agricultural science.
More about Postdoctoral Crop Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Crop Science jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Crop Science job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Crop Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Crop Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Crop Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

New


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
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 Department of 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 systems while 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, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
July 16, 2026
Posting Close Date:
July 30, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19506
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.
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.

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