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Postdoctoral information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$55.4K

$78.4K

How much do postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral in Iowa is $55,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges postdoctoral researchers face when transitioning to independent research roles?

Postdoctoral researchers often encounter challenges such as balancing the demands of publishing, securing funding, and developing their own research identity while still working under a principal investigator. Navigating the path to independence can also involve building a professional network and gaining experience in grant writing and project management. Supportive mentors and institutional resources can help, but it's important to proactively seek out opportunities for leadership and collaboration to position yourself for future faculty or industry roles.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoctoralResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) often requiredMaster's or Ph.D., depending on the field
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutionsPrimarily industry and corporate sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Postdoctoral researchers typically hold a Ph.D. and work in academic or research institutions to gain specialized experience. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but are employed in industry or corporate R&D settings. While both roles involve research, Postdoctoral positions are usually temporary and focused on academic advancement, whereas Research Scientists are often permanent staff working on applied projects in industry.

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

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Researcher, you need an advanced degree (usually a PhD), strong research skills, and deep subject matter expertise in your field. Proficiency with data analysis tools, laboratory techniques, and research software such as Python, R, or MATLAB is often required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set candidates apart by enabling effective teamwork and dissemination of findings. These abilities are vital for driving original research, publishing impactful work, and advancing academic or industry careers.

What are postdoctoral researchers?

Postdoctoral researchers, often called 'postdocs,' are individuals who have completed their doctoral studies (PhD or equivalent) and are engaged in further academic or scientific research. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or faculty member to gain additional training, develop new skills, and contribute to research projects. Postdocs are a common step for those pursuing academic careers, but their experience can also be valuable for roles in industry or government. The position is usually temporary, lasting from one to several years, allowing researchers to deepen their expertise in a specialized field.
What are popular job titles related to Postdoctoral jobs in Iowa? For Postdoctoral jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Postdoctoral jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Postdoctoral job openings:
Postdoctoral jobs near you
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil and Plant Microbiomes

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil and Plant Microbiomes

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

288th of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil and Plant Microbiomes
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will design, conduct, and manage research on soil and plant root microbiomes using advanced molecular techniques, including Nanopore and Illumina sequencing, microbial cultivation, and nitrogen isotope approaches to quantify microbial and plant nitrogen use.
This position will coordinate field and laboratory sample collection efforts, collaborate with research partners, and supervise and train research assistants to ensure high-quality data and sample integrity. The Postdoc will perform bioinformatic and statistical analyses of microbiome, soil, and plant datasets using tools such as R or Python, integrating findings to interpret biological and ecological relationships.
The role also includes preparing data summaries, reports, manuscripts, and grant materials, as well as presenting research findings to funding agencies and scientific audiences.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph. D. in microbiology or related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience conducting independent research involving microbial communities, including proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing using Nanopore and/or Illumina platforms.
  • Experience cultivating microbes under aerobic and hypoxic conditions, including phenotypic and genotypic characterization.
  • Experience using bioinformatic tools and pipelines for amplicon sequencing-based microbiome analysis, as well as microbial whole genome assembly and annotation.

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology and the Department of Entomology officially merged as of September 1, 2022. The new department is known as the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology (PPEM). The overall mission of the Department is to benefit society through research, teaching, and extension activities that improve pest management and prevent disease. Collectively, the Department consists of about 100 faculty, staff, and students who are engaged in research, teaching, and extension activities that are central to the mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Department Unit/Website:
Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology
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.
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:
July 1, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 15, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 21, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19377
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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