Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional Genomics

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance crop genetics and functional genomics. You will design experiments linking cis-regulatory edits to plant traits, perform transcriptomic and genomic analyses, and contribute to publications.

The successful candidate will work with maize and other crops, publish first-author work, and collaborate across disciplines in an environment that emphasizes teaching, mentoring, and scientific discovery.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, genomics, or genetics or equivalent.
• Evidence of publishing independent research, including at least one first-author manuscript.
• Experience in plant model systems and genetic/cis-regulatory studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement experiments combining genetic edits with genomic/molecular analyses.
• Analyze bulk and single-cell sequencing data in HPC environments.
• Mentor junior lab members and supervise projects.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports for publication.

Skills

Genomics

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Statistics

Mentorship

Education

Doctoral degree in Molecular Biology/Genomics/Genetics

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Crop Genetics and Functional GenomicsAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob 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 ResponsibilitiesDesign 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 systemsA 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 SciencesApplication 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 VitaeLetter of Application/Cover LetterPublication List (PDF) containing one or more representative peer-reviewed publications with complete citations and corresponding DOI links.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 plansGenerous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plansOnsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)Life insurance and long-term disabilityFlexible Spending AccountsVarious voluntary benefits and discountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWellbeing programIowa 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, 2027Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:September 9, 2026Posting Close Date:September 19, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19890Iowa 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.