OBJECTIVE: 

The Research Center for Farming Innovation (RCFI) Research Scientist transforms agronomic, environmental, and on-farm research data into actionable insights for farmers, partners, and scientific audiences. Leveraging Iowa Soybean’s 20+ years of unique, large-scale on-farm datasets, this role designs rigorous research studies, curates and analyzes datasets, and develops reproducible analytical workflows. The Research Scientist will generate insights that advance sustainable and profitable farming practices in Iowa and across the U.S. This position requires strong research, statistical, and project management skills, and the ability to publish results for both peer-reviewed and farmer-focused audiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct advanced statistical and geospatial analyses of on‑farm research datasets using R, Python, or comparable analytical tools.
• Develop reproducible analytical pipelines, support data governance standards, and contribute to data infrastructure improvements.
• Design scientifically rigorous and operationally practical on‑farm research trials.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed manuscripts and produce farmer‑oriented reports, visualizations, presentations, and technical briefs that communicate complex findings clearly.
• Lead and manage collaborative internal and external research projects, ensuring timelines, deliverables, reporting, and partner expectations are met.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and partner organizations to interpret research results and translate them into actionable agronomic or environmental recommendations.
• Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and literature reviews that support ongoing RCFI and conservation initiatives.
• Exemplify ISA and RCFI values, embracing and building that culture throughout the organization

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership
• Demonstrate initiative
• Prioritization and execution of work
• Strategic and critical thinking
• Innovative
• Results and data driven
• Strong project management and collaboration skills.

TRAVEL

• This position requires occasional travel throughout the state and may require out-of-state travel that may include occasional overnight stays.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has no supervisory responsibility

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in agronomy, statistics, plant breeding, and/or agriculture data science disciplines with a strong understanding of agronomic practices, agronomic research, and precision agriculture.
• Strong record of technical publications and presentations that appropriately and timely communicate information in an audience-appropriate fashion.
• In-depth knowledge of statistical methodology, analysis of spatial information, and predictive modeling.
• Strong understanding of Midwest cropping systems.
• Proven track record of successful project management.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with diverse technical and nontechnical audiences.

PREFFERED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• PhD in agronomy, statistics, plant breeding, and/or agriculture data science disciplines with a proven track record of strong understanding of agronomic practices, agronomic research, and precision agriculture.
• Familiarity with environmental models, such as APSIM,DSSAT, or similar models.
• Experience applying machine learning techniques or predictive modeling to agricultural datasets.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies, sensor systems, and digital agricultural workflows.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• FSA and HSA available
• Cellphone and Wellness reimbursement
• Fitness center and Golf simulator
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dress for your Day Dress Code