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Usda Research Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Research Scientist II

Ames, IA · On-site

Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources. * Communicate research findings through ...

Iowa State University

Research Scientist II

Ames, IA · On-site

Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources. * Communicate research findings through ...

HyVee

Nutrition Labeling Intern

West Des Moines, IA

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Day to day, this role builds and maintains label data in Genesis R&D, gathers ingredient specifications from suppliers, and reviews recipe spec sheets against USDA and FDA requirements. If you are ...

New

Elanco

R&D Quality Assurance Auditor

Fort Dodge, IA

Your Role: R&D Quality Assurance Auditor This role provides quality oversight and consultative ... FDA, USDA, EPA regulated). * Skills: Deep knowledge of GLP/GCP regulations, proven ability to ...

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All JobsUsda Research JobsUsda Research Jobs in Iowa

Usda Research information

What is a USDA researcher?

A USDA Researcher is a scientist or specialist who works for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducting studies related to agriculture, food safety, natural resources, and rural development. Their work helps improve farming practices, ensure food quality, and address environmental challenges. USDA Researchers may specialize in areas such as plant science, animal health, soil conservation, or biotechnology. Their research supports the mission of the USDA to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure a safe, plentiful food supply for the nation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA research scientist?

To thrive as a USDA Research Scientist, you need a strong background in agricultural science, biology, or a related field, typically supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (like SAS or R), and scientific publishing platforms is essential. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and written communication skills help you design experiments, work in multidisciplinary teams, and share findings effectively. These skills are crucial for advancing agricultural research, securing grant funding, and contributing to evidence-based policy and innovation.

What types of collaborative projects do USDA research scientists typically work on, and how do these collaborations impact daily responsibilities?

USDA research scientists frequently collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and other government agencies on projects addressing agricultural challenges such as crop improvement, food safety, and environmental sustainability. These collaborations often involve multidisciplinary teams, requiring regular communication, joint data analysis, and co-authorship of reports and publications. As a result, a typical workweek may include team meetings, lab work, field studies, and coordination with external partners, offering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

What is the difference between Usda Research vs USDA Agricultural Technician?

AspectUsda ResearchUSDA Agricultural Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in agriculture, biology, or related fields; research experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research farms, field sitesFieldwork, farm settings, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch agencies, government labs, universitiesUSDA field offices, agricultural agencies
Common Search & ComparisonResearch roles, scientific work, lab positionsFieldwork, farm support, technical assistance

USDA Research positions focus on scientific research, data analysis, and experimental work often requiring higher education and research experience. In contrast, USDA Agricultural Technicians typically perform field and technical support tasks with less emphasis on advanced degrees. Both roles serve the agricultural sector but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Usda Research jobs in Iowa?

For Usda Research jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Usda Research jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Usda Research jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Usda Research jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Usda Research job openings:

Usda Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Research job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Scientist II

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-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

385th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Research Scientist II
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Job Description:
Iowa State University is seeking a Research Scientist II to lead animal immunogenetics research in dairy cattle. This position offers an opportunity to advance research addressing important questions in cattle health, immunity, and genetics while working collaboratively with scientists at Iowa State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) National Animal Disease Center (NADC).
The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across all aspects of research, including experimental design, data collection, logistical planning, data analysis, interpretation of results, and preparation of scientific publications. The position requires an individual who is comfortable working across both large-animal research and laboratory environments, including wet- and dry-lab activities.
What You'll Do
  • Lead dairy cattle immunogenetics research from experimental design through data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication.
  • Design and coordinate large-animal experiments, including logistical planning and laboratory activities.
  • Conduct and oversee wet- and dry-lab research and analyze complex scientific data.
  • Collaborate with Iowa State University and USDA-ARS NADC scientists, serving as a liaison to coordinate research activities, facilities, and resources.
  • Communicate research findings through presentations, seminars, reports, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Develop new research directions and collaborations and contribute to research funding opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with dairy cattle.
  • Bioinformatics data analysis experience using UNIX/ Command line tools
  • Wet lab experience in a molecular genetics lab
  • Experience overseeing diagnostic molecular genetics work
  • Experience teaching students bioinformatics using command line tools
  • Track record of successfully publishing animal genetics/genomics results
  • Previous experience conducting, analyzing, and overseeing animal health genetics experiments

This is a one-year term 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

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 with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
September 20, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS808
Original Posting Date:
August 12, 2026
Posting Close Date:
August 19, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19754
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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