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Professional Turfgrass Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

This research program should lead to improved and sustainable turfgrass systems that foster ... An ability to engage professionally with our population of faculty, staff, and students across the ...

NCSU

Temporary Research Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

... turfgrass varieties. Internship will include laboratory and greenhouse work. Is Time Limited No If ... your personal and professional well-being. What we offer: * Health Insurance for Temporary ...

NCSU

Research Technician

Jackson Springs, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Current research projects involve the production or improvement of soybeans, cotton, turfgrass ... and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our ...

NCSU

Research Assistant

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

If you are a research professional with hands-on experience in turfgrass entomology, a strong understanding of insect pests affecting turfgrass ecosystems, and the ability to apply scientific ...

Mainscape

Landscape Agronomy Manager

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Stay informed on emerging research, products, and industry best practices related to turfgrass and ... Certified Arborist, Certified Landscape Professional, Certified Crop Adviser, or similar ...

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Infographic showing various Professional Turfgrass Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 26% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Turfgrass Research Scientist

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Turfgrass Research Scientist
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
The Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a Turfgrass Research Scientist to help advance nationally recognized turfgrass program focused on athletic field safety, golf course management, sports turf performance, turfgrass adaptation, and sustainable management practices.
This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research, laboratory work, equipment operation, data analysis, and scientific collaboration. Working alongside faculty, students, and industry partners, you'll conduct research that improves the safety, performance, and management of athletic fields, golf courses, parks, and other managed turf systems.
Whether your goal is to become a leader in the turfgrass industry or pursue graduate education, this position provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise, gain hands-on research experience, and explore innovative ideas in a collaborative environment where learning through experimentation is encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute applied turfgrass field research by preparing research sites, implementing experimental protocols, scheduling field activities, and overseeing student employees.
  • Establish, maintain, and evaluate turfgrass research plots through mowing, irrigation management, fertilizer and pesticide applications, and cultivation practices.
  • Collect, document, and manage research data, including plant and soil samples, turfgrass quality and color ratings, weed assessments, soil moisture measurements, and surface hardness and stability testing.
  • Assist in developing and refining research methods and protocols, maintain research databases, perform data quality control, and conduct statistical analyses.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support research projects, scientific publications, grant proposals, field demonstrations, and extension and outreach activities.
  • Present research findings at field days, scientific conferences, and industry meetings, prepare educational displays and demonstration plots, and provide tours of research facilities for visitors and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
  • Experience establishing, maintaining, and managing turfgrass research plots or production systems, including irrigation management.
  • Experience operating, calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining turfgrass or agricultural equipment.
  • Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.
  • Experience applying fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or other crop protection products in accordance with research protocols and applicable regulations.
  • Experience presenting research findings, contributing to scientific publications, or supporting extension and outreach activities.

Why Join Iowa State University?
This position has served as a launching point for many early-career turfgrass professionals. Former Research Scientists have gone on to earn master's and doctoral degrees or build successful careers in the turfgrass industry. You'll have opportunities to lead applied research projects, present your work, contribute to publications, and develop the technical expertise needed for the next stage of your career.
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.
The selected candidate will be hired as a Research Scientist I.
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

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.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
July 22, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19637
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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