Turfgrass Research Scientist

Department of Horticulture in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University

About the role

The Turfgrass Research Scientist will help advance a nationally recognized turfgrass program focused on athletic field safety, golf course management, sports turf performance, turfgrass adaptation, and sustainable management practices. This position offers a unique blend of outdoor field research, laboratory work, equipment operation, data analysis, and scientific collaboration. You will work alongside faculty, students, and industry partners to conduct research that improves the safety, performance, and management of athletic fields, golf courses, parks, and other managed turf systems. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to develop technical expertise, gain hands-on research experience, and explore innovative ideas in a collaborative environment where learning through experimentation is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute applied turfgrass field research by preparing research sites, implementing experimental protocols, scheduling field activities, and overseeing student employees.
• Establish, maintain, and evaluate turfgrass research plots through mowing, irrigation management, fertilizer and pesticide applications, and cultivation practices.
• Collect, document, and manage research data, including plant and soil samples, turfgrass quality and color ratings, weed assessments, soil moisture measurements, and surface hardness and stability testing.
• Assist in developing and refining research methods and protocols, maintain research databases, perform data quality control, and conduct statistical analyses.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support research projects, scientific publications, grant proposals, field demonstrations, and extension and outreach activities.
• Present research findings at field days, scientific conferences, and industry meetings, prepare educational displays and demonstration plots, and provide tours of research facilities for visitors and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Experience establishing, maintaining, and managing turfgrass research plots or production systems, including irrigation management.
• Experience operating, calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining turfgrass or agricultural equipment.
• Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.
• Experience applying fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or other crop protection products in accordance with research protocols and applicable regulations.
• Experience presenting research findings, contributing to scientific publications, or supporting extension and outreach activities.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including:

• Medical and dental coverage
• 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

Schedule

• 12 months per year
• Full time

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.