The Digital Agriculture Innovations Team, within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, is accepting applications for a Senior Research Scientist who will provide technical and program leadership to digital agriculture, precision agriculture, and agronomy research projects. The ISU Digital Agriculture Innovation Team (www.isudigitalag.org) consists of professional staff and graduate students who work closely with agricultural industry partners to develop innovative technology solutions for agriculture. The team has a strong innovation record with over 90 patents and licensed technologies.
Digital Ag’s vision to enhance knowledge and innovation in agriculture is reinforced by our mission to innovate, educate, and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future. Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers, passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence, we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions, emphasizing Digital Ag’s role in driving positive change in the agricultural industry.
Example of Duties
Design and manage complex agronomic and digital agriculture research projects, including experimental design, coordination, execution, data collection, and reporting.
Lead and mentor research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
Analyze and interpret research data using statistical tools and methodologies common in agronomic and precision agriculture studies to ensure data accuracy and validity.
Engage and communicate with research sponsors, industry partners, and stakeholders to present project updates, findings, and recommendations that support technology adoption in agriculture.
Lead the design and implementation of geospatial analyses integrating satellite, UAV, and field-based data a access crop performance, soil variability, and land management practices as well as develop spatial models to support precision agriculture and agronomic research initiatives.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary research and technical teams to align objectives, integrate digital technologies, and ensure successful delivery of project milestones.
Contribute to grant proposal development, supporting the long-term sustainability and visibility of the Digital Ag Innovation Lab’s programs.
Digital Ag operates in a highly collaborative team environment. The successful candidate will manage project scope, schedule and demonstrate strong project and team leadership, quality control skills, and supervise full-time staff and undergraduate students to support project activities. Additionally, this position will demonstrate the ability to work independently; complete projects within a specified timeline; communicate effectively; provide technical leadership; and ensure a safe working environment. Excellent communication, strong organizational skills, and a detail-oriented personality are required. The candidate will also be a motivated self-starter and possess the ability to conduct, document, and communicate research methods and results.
This position provides strong variety of work in a welcoming environment. Candidates that are detail oriented, organized, and value being on a strong team are encouraged to apply.
Candidate will be hired as a Research Scientist IV.
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.
This is a term position with opportunity for renewal based on funding.
Level Guidelines
• Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision
• Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISU’s mission and meeting division, department or work unit goals
• Solves complex issues using highly-developed problem resolution skills
• Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance, recommendations, and set standards related to strategy, policy, and mission
• Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact
• May provide supervision to other department staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
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