Research Agronomist

Job Title: Research Agronomist

Job Description

The Research Agronomist supports the research and development team in creating and refining innovative cropping systems, with a strong focus on water-limited and managed irrigation environments. This role combines field-based experimentation, data analysis, and collaboration with farmers and agronomists to develop practical, systems-level agronomic recommendations. The position offers the opportunity to gain extensive, real-time field experience over a multi-year project while contributing to impactful agricultural research.

Responsibilities

• Design and support the development of new cropping systems in collaboration with the research and development team.
• Focus research activities on water-limited and managed irrigation environments to improve crop performance and resource use efficiency.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of multi-crop, systems-level agronomic trials.
• Develop agronomic recommendations based on field research findings, data analysis, and systems-level insights.
• Lead and manage research collaborations with internal teams, external partners, and other stakeholders.
• Work directly with farmers and agronomists throughout the project to coordinate field trials, gather feedback, and ensure practical relevance of research outcomes.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate experiments across multiple locations, ensuring consistent protocols and high-quality data collection.
• Conduct field research activities, including establishing trials, collecting agronomic and environmental data, and monitoring crop performance.
• Analyze research data and translate findings into actionable insights and recommendations for cropping systems and management practices.
• Communicate research plans, progress, and results clearly through written reports, presentations, and discussions with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external working relationships to support effective collaboration and project success.
• Travel as needed to field sites and partner locations to oversee experiments, meet with collaborators, and support project activities.

Essential Skills

• PhD or MS in agronomy, plant physiology, plant breeding, ecology, or a closely related field, with an emphasis in water-limited cropping systems.
• 5+ years of experience in agronomy, agriculture, or a closely related industry.
• Strong knowledge of and applied, in-field experience with multi-crop systems.
• Hands-on experience with field research processes, including trial design, implementation, and data collection.
• Proficiency in data analysis and utilization to inform agronomic recommendations and systems-level insights.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively develop and maintain strong internal and external working relationships, including with farmers and agronomists.
• Strong organizational skills to plan, coordinate, and manage experiments across multiple locations.
• Ability to work independently as a highly motivated, self-directed scientist.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work in varying outdoor environments to conduct field activities such as data collection.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for field work and collaboration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Research experience with brassica crops is advantageous.
• Experience or interest in renewable fuels is beneficial.
• Background in research and development environments within agriculture or related fields.
• Familiarity with crop systems, ecology, and plant breeding concepts.
• Ability to translate complex agronomic data into practical recommendations for on-farm implementation.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based and involves working outdoors in a range of weather conditions throughout the project. The position supports a research and development team located near Johnston, Iowa, and provides extensive hands-on experience in real-world agricultural environments. The work includes regular visits to trial sites, farms, and research locations, as well as time spent analyzing data and preparing reports. Some travel is required to coordinate and oversee experiments across locations. The environment is collaborative and research-focused, with an emphasis on practical, systems-level agronomic solutions that can be applied directly in the field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Platte, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be

subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Platte,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.