Seed Analyst II

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Generous vacation and sick leave

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Life insurance and long-term disabled

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

Job summary

The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University seeks a Seed Analyst II to join our seed testing laboratory team. You will apply biological knowledge and analytical skills to evaluate seed quality across a wide range of crops, perform specialized testing, and contribute to quality assurance and method improvements.

This hands-on role involves training staff and students, supporting laboratory operations, and communicating results to customers and Care staff.

Qualifications

• Two years experience in seed analysis or two years of combined education/work experience in related field.
• Experience with seed laws and Seed Rules for labeling may be required.
• Ability to evaluate tests and exercise technical judgment.

Responsibilities

• Perform seed quality testing on a wide variety of seeds following industry standards and lab procedures.
• Evaluate tests independently and consult with senior analysts when needed.
• Maintain testing records and data in laboratory information systems.
• Manage testing workloads and assist with daily lab workflow.
• Provide training on testing methods and lab procedures.
• Communicate testing options and results to customers and staff.
• Assist with development and implementation of new testing methods.

Skills

Seed analysis experience

Laboratory testing

Education

Post-high school education in biology/related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment operation

Job description

Position Title: Seed Analyst II

Job Group: Merit

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years experience in seed analysis, which includes one year as a Seed Analyst I or equivalent; or Any combination of post high school education and work experience totaling two years from which one can acquire a working knowledge of seed laws, the “Rules for Testing Seeds” and methods and problems associated with analysis of seeds for labeling purposes.

Job Description

The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is seeking a Seed Analyst II to join our seed testing laboratory team. This position offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of agricultural, vegetable, flower, native, and specialty crop seeds, applying biological knowledge and analytical skills to evaluate seed quality. The successful candidate will perform specialized seed testing, contribute to laboratory quality assurance and method improvements, and help train other laboratory staff and student employees. This is a hands‑on technical position with opportunities to develop expertise in the specialized field of seed science. The Seed Science Center and Seed Lab are internationally recognized for excellence in seed testing, research, training, accuracy, timely results, and customer service.

What You’ll Do

• Perform seed quality testing on a wide variety of agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, native, and specialty crop seeds in accordance with applicable industry standards and laboratory procedures.
• Independently evaluate tests, recognize abnormal test results or inconsistencies, and exercise technical judgment to identify when additional examinations or testing may be necessary, consulting with senior analysts as appropriate.
• Prepare testing materials and conditions, monitor laboratory equipment and environments, and maintain accurate testing records and data in laboratory information systems.
• Manage assigned testing workloads, monitor sample progress and turnaround times, and assist with daily laboratory workflow and priorities.
• Provide technical guidance and training to other laboratory staff and student employees on testing methods, evaluation techniques, and laboratory procedures.
• Communicate routine technical information to customers and Customer Care staff regarding testing options, sample requirements, procedures, and results.
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of new or revised testing methods and recommend improvements to laboratory procedures, equipment, and workflows.
• Support laboratory quality assurance activities, including procedure documentation, audits, proficiency testing, equipment calibration, and corrective actions.
• Contribute to educational and professional outreach through workshops, short courses, laboratory demonstrations, and participation in relevant professional organizations and industry activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or experience in biology, botany, agronomy, horticulture, or a related field.
• Experience performing laboratory testing, biological evaluations, or other detailed technical work.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and interpreting technical information.

Why Join Us?

The Seed Science Center brings together faculty, staff, and students from across disciplines including agronomy, plant pathology, horticulture, and engineering, creating a collaborative environment recognized worldwide for leadership in seed science and technology. The Seed Lab has served seed companies, farmers, and researchers across the United States and internationally for more than 100 years.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• 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

Appointment Type: Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12

Month Work Period Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: 08

Original Posting Date: November 5, 2026

Posting Close Date: November 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20167

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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

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.

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.

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, 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].

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.