Seed Analyst III

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Generous vacation, holiday, and sick/🡒

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center seeks an experienced Seed Analyst III to join our seed testing laboratory team. The role blends advanced seed quality testing with coordinating laboratory activities and guiding other analysts.

You will apply specialized knowledge across many crop species, contribute to method development and quality assurance, and support continuous improvement in turnaround times and customer service.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years of experience testing a wide range of species or a related degree with extensive seed analysis knowledge.
• Registered Seed Technologists (RST) or AOSA Certified Analyst in Purity or Germination are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized seed quality testing and analysis on many seed types following industry rules and lab procedures.
• Identify and classify seeds and botanical materials using references and professional judgment.
• Interpret testing rules to determine methods and reporting, using independent judgment when procedures do not address specific needs.
• Coordinate daily laboratory workflow by prioritizing samples, assigning work, and monitoring turnaround times.
• Provide technical guidance and training to laboratory staff and student employees; support QA and method development.

Education

Degree in Biological Sciences, Botany, Plant Sciences, or related field

Job description

Position Title: Seed Analyst III

Job Group: Merit

Minimum Qualifications

• Registered Seed Technologists (RST) and/or AOSA Certified (Purity and Germination) Analyst with a minimum of four years of experience testing a wide range of species; or Degree in Biological Sciences, Botany, Plant Sciences, or a related field from which one has acquired an extensive knowledge in all areas of seed analysis or equivalent post-secondary education.

The Seed Science Center at Iowa State University is seeking an experienced Seed Analyst III to join our seed testing laboratory team. This position combines advanced technical seed testing with responsibility for coordinating laboratory activities, providing technical guidance to other analysts, and resolving complex testing challenges. The successful candidate will apply specialized knowledge and independent judgment across a wide range of crop species while contributing to method development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. 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 specialized seed quality testing and analysis on a wide range of agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, native, and specialty seed species in accordance with applicable industry rules, regulatory requirements, and laboratory procedures. Identify, evaluate, and classify seeds, seedlings, and other botanical materials within assigned areas of expertise, using technical references, laboratory collections, and professional judgment to resolve complex or unusual findings. Interpret seed testing rules and regulatory requirements to determine appropriate testing methods, classifications, and reporting procedures, exercising independent judgment when established procedures do not address specific testing needs. Evaluate testing results, investigate discrepancies, and determine when additional examination or retesting is necessary to ensure technical accuracy and reliability. Coordinate daily laboratory workflow by prioritizing samples, assigning and monitoring work, and maintaining testing schedules and turnaround times. Provide technical guidance, training, and direction to laboratory staff and student employees; verify technical competency and support consistent application of testing procedures and quality standards. Lead or contribute to the development, evaluation, and implementation of new or revised testing methods, procedures, and laboratory workflows. Support laboratory quality assurance and accreditation activities, including audits, proficiency testing, corrective actions, equipment calibration, and maintenance of procedures and quality records. Maintain laboratory resources and participate in professional development, technical organizations, and Seed Science Center educational and outreach activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Seed Technologist (RST) or AOSA Certified Seed Analyst in Purity or Germination.
• Significant experience performing specialized seed testing and interpreting applicable testing rules and procedures.
• Experience independently performing complex seed testing, interpreting technical standards, and resolving non-routine testing issues.
• Experience coordinating laboratory activities, training other analysts, or providing technical guidance and oversight.

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.

Candidate eligibility: 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.

Laboratory Employment Details

Appointment Type: Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12
Month Work Period Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: 12

Benefits

• 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 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.

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.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website.