Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Agronomy in Ames, IA seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance crop genetics and functional genomics by integrating (epi)genomics and molecular biology. The candidate will design and execute wet-lab experiments and perform bioinformatic analyses.

The role provides opportunities to mentor junior lab members, publish multiple first-author papers, and contribute to developing transgenic plant approaches in maize or other crops.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, or equivalent.
• Experience working in plant model systems.
• A demonstrated track record of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed manuscript.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments that pair genetic alteration of cis-regulatory elements and genes with genomic and molecular techniques to study the genetics underlying crop shoot traits.
• Analyze next-generation sequencing bulk and single-cell data in a high-performance computing environment.
• Assist in the mentorship and supervision of more junior lab members.
• Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research integrating (epi)genomics and molecular biology to study the genetic control of crop traits. The successful candidate will conduct, design, plan, and execute wet-lab experiments, conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses, and write peer-reviewed journal articles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments that pair genetic alteration of cis-regulatory elements and genes with genomic and molecular techniques to study the genetics underlying crop shoot traits.
• Analyze next-generation sequencing bulk and single-cell data in a high-performance computing environment.
• Assist in the mentorship and supervision of more junior lab members.
• Interpret experimental results and prepare reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Prepare final drafts of research manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, or equivalent.
• Experience working in plant model systems
• A demonstrated track record of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author peer-reviewed manuscript.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with single-cell ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and/or other emerging next-generation sequencing technologies.
• Experience preparing droplet-based single-cell and/or bulk sequencing libraries.
• Experience growing, phenotyping, and crossing maize and/or other crop species, including the design, development, and characterization of transgenic plants.
• Strong record of scholarly achievement, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated teaching, mentoring, and/or supervisory experience in a research or academic environment.

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is a globally recognized leader in research, teaching, and extension focused on crop production, plant breeding, genetics, genomics, soil science, and sustainable agricultural systems. Department faculty, staff, and students work to develop innovative solutions that improve crop productivity, enhance environmental stewardship, strengthen soil health, and support global food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy production. Through interdisciplinary research and engagement with agricultural stakeholders, the department advances scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the field.

Department Unit/Website (if Applicable)

Agronomy | College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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 [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date

January 18, 2027

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

Post Docs

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

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.