Position Title:Research Scientist II - Bioeconomy Institute Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience Preferred Qualifications:PhD in agricultural, environmental or biosystems engineering or related discipline. Working knowledge of technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) methods. Knowledge of experimental design, agricultural and bioprocessing laboratory protocols, and Midwestern farming practices. Demonstrated experience using R, Python or similar tools for data analysis and modeling. Experience drafting and submitting grant proposals and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Demonstrated experience mentoring students in a lab as part of an interdisciplinary team. Job Description: Are you a motivated individual looking for a new position? Are you looking to join a growing team? If so, The Bioeconomy Institute (BEI) with Iowa State University is seeking applicants for a Research Scientist II position! The Research Scientist will work closely with BEI co-Director, scientists, engineers, support staff, and students and industry partners and regenerative agriculture team to conduct research on bioprocessing and bioproduct development, including laboratory experiments and through modeling. They will assist and oversee student laboratory research experiments on anaerobic digestion, microbial fermentation, and other bioprocessing methods. While efforts will be collaborative, it is expected that the role will work independently and ultimately publish results through scientific journals, technical conferences, and funding agency reports. Duties/Responsibilities: Lab and Modeling Research + Develops, designs, and conducts moderately complex projects or experiments toward developing biobased processes (e.g. anaerobic digestion, fermentation, pyrolysis) products, and valorizing co-products in line with BEI research plan and existing portfolio of grants, contracts, etc. + Formulates research methods and suggests options for improving quality, identifies potential problems, recommends and implements solutions, and collaborates in the development of new techniques. + Conducts modeling research (e.g., technoeconomic analysis, lifecycle assessment), statistical data analysis, and interprets and implements research methodology based on outcome of analysis. Writing and Reporting + Leads the drafting, editing and submitting of peer-reviewed publications to scientific journals including coordination among co-authors. + Assists with developing and writing grant proposals. + Provides input to progress reports for sponsors and related science communication and knowledge transfer materials. Leadership + Trains and monitors laboratory personnel (e.g. students, postdoctoral researchers or similar) in equipment operation and laboratory techniques, explains and demonstrates technology and equipment capabilities, operations, limitations and outcomes. + Meets regularly to provide feedback to PI and students regarding experimental design, methods and progress. + Adheres to established best practices and federal guidelines for open science including data entry, analysis, sharing and publication. + Retains accurate records of research findings, analysis of results, and raw data. This is a fixed term position with an end date of 9/30/2026 with the opportunity for renewal. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.Level Guidelines• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity• Provides guidance to students Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Proposed End Date or Length of Term:September 30, 2026 Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period Time Type:Full time Pay Grade:PS808 Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• 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 Original Posting Date: October 31, 2024 Posting Close Date:November 8, 2024 Job Requisition Number:R15827 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State 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, global, and culturally diverse 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/diversity-and-inclusion/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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 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.