Digital Ag Senior Research Scientist

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

15d

About The Position

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. Position will remain open until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
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.

Nice To Haves

MS or PhD degree in agronomy, plant physiology, or related field.
Experience in defining, coordinating, executing, and reporting on agronomic research trials.
Experience in all aspects of a crop production system and related agronomic factors.
Experience in data analysis and statistical tools common in agronomic research trials.
Experience in communicating outcomes with research stakeholders.
Experience in writing successful grant applications.
Experience in employee development and mentorship.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Work independently; complete projects within a specified timeline; communicate effectively; provide technical leadership; and ensure a safe working environment.
Conduct, document, and communicate research methods and results.