Research Scientist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking a Research Scientist II to support innovative soil fertility and nutrient management research for the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative. This position serves as the lead laboratory scientist for soil nitrogen analysis, overseeing related laboratory operations, maintaining specialized analytical instrumentation, ensuring data quality, and contributing to research that advances sustainable agricultural systems. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and research partners while playing a key role in generating high-quality scientific data and supporting research publications and presentations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Studies, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
Experience conducting research related to nitrogen management, nutrient use efficiency, or soil fertility in agricultural production systems.
Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, or calibrating automated laboratory analyzers (e.g., Astoria Pacific, LECO Elemental Analyzer, or similar instrumentation) used for soil nitrogen analysis.
Experience using statistical software (such as R, SAS, or similar) to manage, analyze, and summarize research data.
Experience training, mentoring, or supervising students, interns, or laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, scientific equipment, or research protocols.
Experience working in a laboratory environment with established quality control procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

Lead laboratory operations for receiving, processing, analyzing, and managing soil samples for nitrogen research.
Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including Astoria Pacific and LECO Elemental Analyzer systems.
Prepare samples, reagents, and standards while ensuring accurate analytical results and high-quality data.
Develop and improve laboratory protocols, analytical methods, and quality control procedures.
Compile, analyze, and interpret research data using statistical software (R) and prepare reports to support research projects.
Collaborate with faculty and research teams to interpret results, identify future research opportunities, and present findings at scientific conferences.
Train, supervise, and mentor students and laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and documentation.
Maintain laboratory safety standards, oversee equipment service and maintenance, and perform other duties as assigned.