Assistant Professor in Seed Pathology

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Generous leave plans

Onsite childcare

Life insurance and long-term‑disabilit

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Iowa State University invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in seed pathology within the Seed Science Center. The role emphasizes developing a high-impact, externally funded research program in seed pathogens, including use of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics.

The 65% research, 30% teaching, 5% service split supports interdisciplinary collaboration across labs and centers. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field required.
• Experience in seed pathology and diagnostic test development.
• Strong publication record and potential for extramural funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an externally funded seed pathology research program.
• Contribute to teaching (65% research, 30% teaching, 5% service) and service to the university.
• Collaborate with Seed Science Center and allied ISU departments to advance seed pathogen diagnostics.

Skills

Seed pathology expertise

High-throughput sequencing

Bioinformatics

Research mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related field

Tools

Computational pipelines

Job description

Position Title:

Assistant Professor in Seed Pathology

Appointment Type:

Faculty

Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology and the Seed Science Center in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of seed pathology. We seek candidates with broad expertise in seed pathology whose research will support the development of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that facilitate the detection of seed-borne pathogens with particular emphasis on viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Candidates whose expertise encompasses the use of high-throughput sequencing and associated computational pipelines are of particular interest. The position is 65% research, 30% teaching, and 5% service. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded, high-impact research program that engages students in the broad areas of plant pathology, seed pathology and bioinformatics while also participating in service to the university. ISU has extensive shared facilities for biological research, including -omics technology for genetics, genomics and microbiome studies and high-performance computing. The collaborative environment is enhanced by interdisciplinary and disciplinary graduate majors that promote cross-fertilization within labs. The successful candidate will have an office and laboratory in the Seed Science Building, which houses the Seed Science Center. The Seed Science Center is a globally recognized hub of excellence in seed testing, research, education, systems, and international programs. It is a leader in developing science to inform policy to benefit the world seed trade. The Center is home to the Seed Lab, one of the largest public testing laboratories in the U.S. that has provided accurate and professional seed testing services to growers and the seed industry for more than 130 years. The Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology serves as home to the ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, has access to numerous field research facilities, and administers a vibrant and experiential undergraduate microbiology program. Faculty have strengths in extension, teaching, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, and research across the full spectrum from fundamental to applied.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Plath Pathology, Plant Science or a closely related field with experience in the broad area of seed pathology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of strong potential for conducting innovative research in seed pathology that includes the development of diagnostic tests for pathogens.
• Evidence for the use of high-throughput sequencing and associated computational pipelines.
• Evidence of a strong publication record in internationally recognized journals.
• Evidence of strong potential for research mentoring.
• Evidence of strong potential for collaborative research.
• Evidence of strong potential for securing extramural funding.
• Evidence of strong potential for evidence-based, innovative teaching.

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

09 Month

Work Period Time Type:

Full time

Why Choose ISU?

• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous 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

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement:

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.

All Offers of Employment:

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Additional Contact:

Questions regarding this position should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Scott Heuchelin ([e-mail]), or the Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Steven Harris ([e-mail]).

Posting Information:

Original Posting Date: August 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number: R19814

General Compensation Information:

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.

Location:

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

Further Information:

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone]. 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.