Assistant Professor Agronomic Science

Job description

Position Title:Assistant Professor Agronomic Science


Appointment Type:Faculty


Job Description:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University invites applications from a broad range of disciplines for a tenure-track assistant professor.

We seek a scholar with a deep interest in advancing agronomic sciences through areas such as crop physiology and genetics, plant-soil interactions, land-atmosphere interactions, or hydrology.

The position will be 55% research, 40% teaching and 5% service.

The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that aligns with the strengths of the department, which are focused on advancing and applying fundamental science to innovate agricultural systems.

There will be opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary projects with other scientists at ISU and beyond.

Mentoring graduate students is expected.

Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in agronomic production, and crops and soils, and a graduate level course in an area of expertise.

The candidate is expected to integrate cutting-edge research with classroom teaching, contributing to the growth of our knowledge base and educating the next generation of agricultural leaders.




The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is a premier agronomy department offering BS and MS degrees in Agronomy, and MS and PhD degrees in Agricultural Meteorology, Crop Production and Physiology, Plant Breeding, and Soil Science.

The faculty are focused on advancing and applying fundamental science to innovate agricultural systems.

Outcomes include, but are not limited to, methods of conserving and improving soil and water resources, developing improved cultivars, and enhancing sustainable crop production.

Our goal is to design agricultural systems that are more efficient and sustainable for the benefit of society, farmers, and the environment.

We are seeking a scholar to join us in this grand challenge.




The position is full-time, tenure track, 9 months with a proposed start date of January 1, 2026.

Applications received by July 31, 2025, will receive guaranteed consideration.



Required QualificationsPh.D. in fundamental or applied sciences.



Preferred Qualifications• Experience teaching at the collegiate level• Experience in research related to agronomic sciences • Demonstrated ability to publish research applicable to the scientific community • Demonstrated ability to secure external funding• Evidence of collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork


Proposed Start Date:January 1, 2026


Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work Period


Time Type:Full time


Application Instructions:
Please be prepared to enter or attach the following documents: 1) resume/curriculum vitae 2) letter of application/cover letter 3) statement of teaching philosophy 5) statement of research interests 6) contact information for three references


If you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact Dr. Michael Castellano at castelmj@iastate.edu, or 515-294-3963.




Applications received by July 31, 2025 will receive guaranteed consideration.​Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous 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


Original Posting Date: May 19, 2025


Posting Close Date:


Job Requisition Number:R17029



By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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, 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.

515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.



If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485.

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 employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485.

TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.




General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website.

Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skill Profession

Other General