Trainee Agronomy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Position in Agronomy, Soils, and Environment
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The McDaniel Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a strong enthusiasm for learning to join our team at the intersection of agronomy, environmental science, and soil science. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research on soil-plant interactions while developing new skills in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
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

Come join the McDaniel Lab to hone your existing skills, learn new ones, and contribute to advancing soil-plant interaction science as part of a collegial and dynamic research team.
Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment.
• 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 Qualifications:

• Demonstrated scientific creativity, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning new research approaches and methodologies.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting spatial datasets using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
• Experience conducting meta-analyses or applying meta-analytical statistical techniques, preferably demonstrated through a peer-reviewed publication.
• Experience mentoring, supervising, or training undergraduate students in research, laboratory, or field settings.
• Experience presenting research findings at professional or scientific conferences.

Department/Program & College Description:
Soil and plants are in a "give-and-take" relationship. The McDaniel Lab focuses on understanding this relationship and using this understanding to make farms more regenerative & sustainable.
Department Unit/Website:
Soil-Plant Interactions in the McDaniel Lab
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
PDF copies of one to three of your most recent publications
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:
August 31, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
July 22, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 5, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19651
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.